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.

Peter Hide, 'Full House'

Artist Info: Peter Hide is an English-born artist who gained experience at Saint Martin's School of Art in London where he studied under the modernist sculptor Anthony Caro. Hide is well known for his large abstract sculptures made of welded steel. Early in his career Hide found employment teaching at the Saint Martin's from 1971-78. By 1978 he had accepted a position to teach at the University of Alberta and came to Edmonton to further his career. The budding art scene in Edmonton gave him the flexibility to experiment and really settle on his own artistic style. Hide continues to teach at the U of A and create sculpture that he says has a focus on architecture.

Unfortunately, there is minimal information about 'Full House'. The piece is made of welded steel was commissioned in '97 for the opening of the Winspear building. The title 'Full House' likely is making a reference to selling out of tickets at a concert.


My Thoughts: To be honest, since the day I began this blog I have been dying to do this piece and am upset that there is not more information on it. 'Full House' is one of the first sculptures I really noticed when I moved to Edmonton and I instantly fell in love with the whimsical shape of the doorway and the idea of what I might find inside. I can definitely see Hide's interest in architecture for this piece. The shape of the sculpture echoes the strong lines of the Winspear, making me think that this could be a miniature concert hall. The rusted colouring seems warm and inviting. Often when I pass the work I find myself hoping that I have missed a detail and can actually enter the tiny doorway and sit inside the piece. Finally, I enjoy its proximity to the L'Espresso patio, making me feel that the sculpture is not just for Winspear patrons but for anyone on the square who is taking a moment to sit down and take a break.

Let me know if you have any comments or more information about this sculpture! I'd love to learn more about this great piece.

PS: Can you tell I took this picture a few months ago? It looks so summery!