Pickering’s most recent public art installation has opened in Esplanade Park entitled ‘Spirit of Pickering’.
The work, created by Artist Geordie Lishman, includes four stainless steel statues named Live, Work, Gather, and Inspire, celebrating the theme of Pickering’s City Centre.
The statues welcome residents and visitors to Esplanade Park and enhance the new seating area at the East End of the park. This is the second public art installation in the gathering space. The statues are accompanied by two Ron Baird works entitled Pollinators, said a city statement.
The City Centre Enhancement Project at the east end of Esplanade Park has been made possible through grant funding from the AMO Ontario Main Street Revitalization Initiative. The gathering area includes a variety of seating options, outdoor games tables, public art and will later feature pollinator-friendly garden beds.
The gathering space uses art to enhance public spaces, particularly within the City Centre. This project was undertaken with the advice and support of Pickering’s Cultural Advisory Committee, and aligns with the objectives of Pickering’s Cultural Plan. Artist Geordie Lishman describes his inspiration for each piece as follows:
Live – is in the form of a pregnant mother carrying out her daily activities eating and reading her tablet. As you look into her belly, you connect to the concept of the lives born and continuing to live in Pickering. Park-goers will have fun ringing the small bells she holds like grapes.
Work – this pose was chosen to encapsulate the spirit of work, because we all do this at some point in life whether sweeping, raking, digging, or pulling roots. With a shade hat and overalls, this character is also a throwback to early Pickering, embellished with stairs and ladders to celebrate the rise of industry and the climb to success. His tool leads to a chime for anyone to ring.
Gather – Is the ringleader of sorts, his arms open and gesture people to gather in his partial embrace. Wearing a bow tie and a tuxedo covered in meshing gears, he’s dressed for all occasions, while the bird in his top hat gives him a light-hearted feeling. His head can be turned causing chimes to ring creating fun photo opportunities.
Inspire – is the most detailed of the four spirits as she emanates the feeling of joy and excitement. Inside her is a large single chime that can be rung by pushing the fringe around the hips of her dress. This creates an interesting hip checking, chiming, dancing experience encouraging any passerby to resonate with the excitement of inspiration.
Guests are invited to take a photo with Pickering’s newest ambassadors, and tag the City in social media posts #pickeringproud @cityofpickering.