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Current

Number on Map

B

Artist

Peter Wehrspann

Material

Oak, Steel

Installation Date

August 1, 2005

Vision for the Bench: I designed this bench with two major considerations in mind. The sinuous form is for a pleasing shape embodying flow and movement. While the human-manipulated materials that make up the bench contrast with the surrounding natural environment, the bench's repetition of line and sense of movement invokes a congruent relationship with its environment. The concave face of the bench allows for interaction between visitors to the Sculpture Forest. Passers-by taking a rest will be nudged to engage in a quiet chat or conversation. Though, respecting the needs for personal space the bench's undulating form also allows for a convex seating arrangement to provoke focus elsewhere. A low backrest makes it easy to rest one's elbows to sit for long periods to just observe, communicate, or a combination of both.


Artist Statement: I take great pride in creating unique objects that successfully fulfill requirements of form and function. This project became more intriguing for two reasons. First the bench is an exterior object that posed challenges in the design and construction and aesthetics. I don't believe it is a casual duty when attempting to gracefully impose human-made objects into nature. Second, the project was one that, unlike other sculpture, involves interaction with people on an ongoing basis. It is my belief that 'good objects' can positively evoke emotion and interaction, personally and interpersonally. Artists before me have inspired these perspectives that now define my work. Natural artist Andy Goldsworthy from England, landscape architect Martha Schwartz from the U.S.A. and Christopher Alexander, author of "A Patterned Language", all promote an awareness of the integral relationship between us, the Earth, and the things we, as humans, make.

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Land Acknowledgment

We would like to acknowledge that we are located on ancestral lands, the traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabe covered by the Williams Treaties. This area, known to the Anishinaabe as “Gidaaki”, has been inhabited for thousands of years – as territories for hunting, fishing, gathering and growing food.


For thousands of years Indigenous people have been the stewards of this place. The intent and spirit of the treaties that form the legal basis of Canada bind us to share the land “for as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow”.

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To find out more about all of the extraordinary things to see and do in the Haliburton Highlands in every season click here!

Location:

297 College Drive
Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
Tel:

(705) 457-3555

Email:

info@haliburtonsculptureforest.ca

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© 2023 Haliburton Sculpture Forest

Images © 2021 Kristy L. Bourgeois | Youkie Stagg | Angus Sullivan | Noelle Dupret Smith | Teodora Vukosavljevic | Nadia Pagliaro

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