Born in the small town of Craddock, South Africa, Keith Calder studied nature conservation and spent 10 years working in that field throughout Southern Africa.
Whilst working at the Kruger Park he contracted malaria and during his recuperation he started to explore an interest in sculpture. Conflicted between his commitment to conservation and a possible career in the arts, the decision to leave the bush and become a sculptor was made easier when he received his first important commission. Calder’s work ranges from miniatures to life-size to monumental sculptures and is well represented in institutions and corporations throughout South Africa.