"I find my greatest pleasure in doing the work. The process itself, particularly the glazing and decorating, enables me to move beyond my surroundings into a concentrated space. I have to be able to free my mind from extraneous interruptions and thoughts."
Walter Dexter
Calgary-born Walter Dexter received his Diploma in Ceramics from the Alberta College of Art in 1954, and continued his studies at the Swedish School of Art in Stockholm. He was known primarily for his innovative work with raku techniques, high-quality stoneware and torso vases. Dexter worked with contemporary technologies and painted the surfaces of his pieces to express his artistic ideas.
In 1993, Dexter completed a major public commission in British Columbia, when he created a raku Donors Wall for the Saanich Penninsula Municipal Hospital in Victoria. Dexter’s work was exhibited across Canada including a major one-man show at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in 1994. He was also exhibited internationally.
A respected instructor, Walter Dexter taught at the Kootenay School of Arts in Nelson, British Columbia; the Vancouver Community College; the Emily Carr University of Art and Design; the University of Saskatoon and the University of Victoria. He has also co-edited The Art of the Earth, a historical, literary and philosophical compilation of extracts and illustrations on clay-working.
Dedicated to the Canadian craft community, Walter Dexter held a variety of executive positions. In 1978, he was the President of the Craftsmen's Association of British Columbia and a Director of the Canadian Crafts Council. He has also served as President and Vice-President of Ceramists Canada.
