Concept to Creation
The Work
These 3 wooden obelisks are connected by a sweeping stainless steel arc and topped by bronze sculptures representing the flow of creativity from an idea to a fully realized work. The various elements of the piece are a physical manifestation of the scientific premise that all activity and creativity stem from within the brain.
Philip Bews shaped 3 Western Red Cedar logs into tapered obelisks and with assistance from Haida carver Jonathan Yeltatzie added low relief carving on the lower sections of the four faces. Each Obelisk represents an art form: literature, visual arts, and performing arts. Positioned on concrete bases with stainless steel brackets, the obelisks are connected by a stainless steel arc.
The half-circle curve of the arc creates a welcoming point of entry for people approaching from the south and can also be read as a visual metaphor for the smooth flow of creativity from concept to execution. It also references the architectural curve of the roofline of the building behind.
Two of the obelisks support bronze elements. The tallest obelisk features a cast bronze acrobat figure created by Diane Gorvin. Originally modeled in plaster, the figure symbolizes creativity in action. The inner obelisk is topped by a large cast bronze ‘thinking head’ decorated with cutout figures. The figures represent creative thoughts becoming tangible. The third obelisk stands alone but unifies the 3 as the sweep of the arc symbolizes unlimited imagination.
Concept to Creation also includes 2 marble “podia”, each featuring 3 pairs of shallow footprints carved into the upper surface. The footprints make reference to the three sculptures made in Kelowna by other Symposium sculptors, Zhao Lei, Marion Lea Jamieson and Dawn MacNutt, with Zhao Lei carving the set of footprints linked to his work I Had A Dream.
The Project
The work was created during the Okanagan Thompson International Sculpture Symposium. A juried competition in October 2001 led to commissions for 20 sculptors from across Canada and around the world to work in this region-wide “open air” gallery, and from May to September 2002, the Symposium was hosted by eight communities in south central B.C. Residents and visitors had the opportunity to see dramatic works of art fashioned from raw materials while discussing passions and inspirations with the artists. Each of the participating communities benefits from the legacy of the permanent works of art and the opportunity to observe and interact with the artists at work over an extended period of time. The work is one of 4 acquired by the City of Kelowna as a result of the Symposium.
The Artist
Philip Bews and Diane Gorvin have collaborated on large commissions involving steel, bronze, sandstone and glass. Bews has been awarded numerous major public art commissions throughout England. Gorvin has participated in several group shows in England as well as installation projects in France and Sweden. Her public commissions include bronze and concrete reliefs, bronze figures, gate and wrought iron panel designs.
