"The Three Graces"

I went to the Macdonald block in yesterday's post to see if this fountain was working but no luck - our climate must be hard on fountain mechanisms since so many don't work! This piece, The Three Graces, was also installed in 1968 in the same courtyard as yesterday and was done by artist Gerald Gladstone (who did the 'bird co-op' I showed you here). Very typical of late 60s art the 3 abstract bronze female figures are 2.6m high and are meant to represent the Greek goddesses of the arts - Aglia, Euphnosyne, and Thalia with the spraying water meant to suggest their flowing gowns - instead they are naked! It is quite spectacular when working.

"Hunter With Seal"

In the late 60s the Ontario government commissioned Inuit artist Paulosie Kanayook to create a sculpture for the courtyard in front of the Macdonald Block on Bay St. Inuit sculptures were not large enough to be suitable so Kanayook created a small carving in soapstone which was then enlarged in Canadian black granite by Louis Temporale with Kanayook assisting. This finished piece was installed in 1968 and was the 1st public outdoor sculpture in Toronto by an Inuit artist.

Addendum: I should have mentioned that the piece is 1.1m high x 1.75m long by .95m wide

Wisteria

This wonderful display of Wisteria is growing along the side fence of a local Indian restaurant between the sidewalk and their patio. The patio must have been spectacular on Tuesday when I took this pic of one section of the vines - this morning there were no flowers left! Spring is short.

The Photographer

I couldn't resist posting this close-up of part of "The Community" sculpture from 2 days ago. Nestled in the back row of the figures is this photographer with long lens in use (maybe after a bird up in the trees?) - I don't think I have ever seen a sculpture of a photographer!

Old City Hall Clock Tower Reflected

This is the clock tower of our Old City Hall which was constructed in 1899 and designed by architect E. J. Lennox. When constructed, it was the largest building in Toronto and is still quite spectacular sitting at the head of Bay St beside our new City Hall. I loved this reflection of the tower in the office building behind it. I will show you some shots of the whole building at a later date.

Taking part in Weekend Relections. For more click here.

"Community"

Commissioned by Manulife Financial for the grounds of their head office on Bloor St, this sculpture, titled "Community", was installed in 2001 on probably the best-groomed lawn outside of a golf course! By American artist Kirk Nelson, the sculpture consists of 21 life-size bronze figures of varying diversity performing different activities and was meant to represent the community that the company serves. Somehow to me it always seems to represent the hurrying and crowding that goes on in parts of the city!

Avenue Diner

Located in the tony Yorkville area where homes and condos sell for multi millions of dollars, the Avenue diner has been at this location since 1944 and continues to go strong. The inside of the small space is a typical 50s style diner with an open kitchen, stools along the counter and booths along the wall. The menu is typical diner fare - burgers, fries, milk shakes etc. I have always loved the retro sign!

Taking part in Signs, Signs. For more signs click here.