" Through its blend of material, verticality and iconography, this work evokes an Aboriginal totem pole. A totem was an animal or plant, which the First nations of the West Coast considered to be the ancestor and protector of the clan. In this case, the totem is viewed as the protector of the forest resource for future generations. With its upwardly spiralling movement, this "never-ending pole" is intended to convey the idea of renewal and sustainability.
The bear is the symbol of wisdom and the healing arts among Aboriginal cultures. For North Americans, the bear is a mythical animal par excellence. Its presence on this symbolic location serves as a reminder to be respectful of ecosystems in order to conserve and protect the forest and biodiversity. " *
* Source: plaque accompanying the Echo sculpture by Michel Saulnier.
Apparently, the Domtar Garden was created to showcase the elements of both the boreal forest and our local mixed forest. And supposedly, Jack pine, black spruce, white birch, sugar maples, northern hackberry, serviceberry and red-osier dogwood specimens are planted here. But due to the lack of signage, a visitor would not recognize the raison d'etre of this garden... nor readily name one of the specimens mentioned. It was only after I got home and googled the garden that I discovered this bit of information. I am truly disappointed with the management of this project. I think a repeat visit is in order.
7 comments:
Thanks for all this added info on the artwork.
I am so glad you researched this and posted it. I could identify most of the trees but to read about the significance of the whole collection was good to read.
The sculpture did at first look like something based on the totem poles of the W.coast. We had a little one the Prof brought back from Fort Churchill and saw really big ones on Vancouver island. I am quite attuned to the aboriginal peoples of many parts of the world.
Looks like a wonderful garden in which to spend an afternoon - take along a picnic lunch!
What a great new header photo - I didn't expect so many skyscrapers some how....
Bon samedi, Ken de Montreal
I really like how the benches are designed! Isn't it amazing how much you learn when you look up the places you've taken a photo of? I've learned so much through this community. So great ;D
So it is a totem pole with a modern edge! I like that. You are right - a little plaque with info would go a long way in this park.
fascinating....
What a beautiful outdoor space.
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