Sunday 17 November 2013

Tony Bloom, 'Convergence'




Artist info: Tony Bloom is a Canmore-based sculptor who has been working as an artist for almost 40 years. While his original sculptures were done in clay, he has been working in metal since the 80s when he discovered the versatility and durability of the medium. He has since created a number of artworks both as public art commissions and for sale in his commercial gallery in Canmore. Not all of his works are solely for display. Bloom is also known for creating functional works for the home including tables, doors and large cauldrons. 
'Convergence' was a commission from the city of Edmonton for the Victoria Promenade at 117 Street and 100 Avenue. The work sits at the top of the river valley and is visible from many different pathways and roads. The piece consists of 3 posts and 1 fountain spaced along the walkway. The posts stand along the sliver of green space marking the path while the fountain (depending on the time of year) can have a stream of water running down the pipes creating both a visual and auditory effect. The steel structures are connected by a trail of shrubbery native to Alberta. Bloom was interested in this central point as the convergence of many elements - water and land, land and sky and city and nature. It can also be seen as a place where residents converge while taking in the view of the river valley. Due to the nature of the piece as a fountain, the work was in need of conservation a few years ago. Bloom worked closely with the conservator at the Edmonton Arts Council to re-paint and maintain the work to ensure it did not rust or fall into disrepair. This is not the only water-related work on Bloom's resume. A number of his public art pieces feature moving water, including a large kinetic water sculpture for the BC Hydro Authority. 

My thoughts: I have always been drawn to water-related sculptures, largely because of the inclusion of sound in the piece. Unfortunately, I don't think I have ever been to the Victoria Promenade while the fountain is on, making it hard for me to fully evaluate the work. I like the combination of the fountains with the posts to help in making the pathway more welcoming. It feels as though the posts that do not shut down for the winter allow the sculpture to appear more inviting year-round as opposed to only having the fountain which can seem unwelcoming when it is not running. 
Has anyone ever seen the fountain on? Do it ever get turned on? Maybe I have just missed it.

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