Friday, March 15, 2013

Art In The Lobby

I found this wonderful work of carved wood in the lobby of yesterday's building at 180 Queen St W and it has to be one of the best works I've seen in a long time. It is by Susan Point, a First Nations artist from the west coast, and was done in 2006 and is titled "Ongoing Journey".  Her explanation is - "pays tribute to all those involved in treaty negotiations. Paddles were traditionally held point up as canoes approached shoreline settlements, in a salute for peace or a sign for parley". Very suitable for a federal court building!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love this
Awesome ;-)

Marleen said...

Beautiful.

Anonymous said...

A very apt title indeed!

EG CameraGirl said...

I love the symbolism of this art and agree it is appropriate for the space it's in.

Lowell said...

The paddles are beautiful and the explanation is heart-rending for we know so often peace and parley were passed over in favor of violence and theft of lands; at least in this country.

Deb said...

What a great find, these are both beautiful and symbolic.

Randy said...

That would be something I would like to have. Beautiful.

Jack said...

They do brighten up the space and give visitors something to think about.

Gunn said...

Stylish!:)

Birdman said...

What's treaty worth these days on the open market?

Hilda said...

Very interesting fact about paddles up. Love these, and the modern totem too!

ArtandArchitecture-SF.com said...

What an awesome piece. Love the colors, really love the inspiration

William Kendall said...

I do like those!