The Great Blue Herons

These clients were introduced to me by a top landscaper in the area. Initially, the landscaper, the clients and I met at my studio to discuss their idea, followed by a number of meetings on-site to determine scope, posture and layout. Only when the clients were completely satisfied with the design, materials and projected completion date, did the creative process begin.

In the workshop, the birds first began to take shape via the construction of a steel frame made from solid metal rods. Slowly, over the next month and a half feathers, beaks and claws began to emerge. 

When the heron sculptures were finally completed, as each Heron is 6 ft tall with a wingspan of over 8 ft, the size and weight of these larger-than-life birds required them to be delivered by flatbed. 

On-site, the positioning of the birds in the garden was important, so that the emotional subtext of each sculpture could be appreciated as a whole, yet be seen in context and contrast."

Concrete foundations and mounting brackets had been designed, created and installed weeks earlier, so the installation was smooth and uneventful.

This home, situated on the shores of Georgian Bay in the Blue Mountains, provides my clients with a natural get away from their international business affairs throughout the year. As they are constantly traveling around the globe, this lakefront property offers them solace and rejuvenation...

This sculpture is a nod to their fast-paced lifestyle, contrasted by solitude.

From their spacious living room, this distinguished couple see these magnificent birds, both setting to flight and returning home to the nest. To the left, one of the great Heron's has just lifted off, body and wings fully spread with eyes ahead. In juxtaposition, the second heron has just returned to the safety and sanctity of a familiar wooded outcropping, once again able to decompress on its perch.

Late in the day of the installation, I was alone with the landscaper, putting a few finishing touches on the garden and the sculptures. When finally complete, together we walked up to the house from the rocky shoreline for one last look before the clients arrived the next day. As we turned back to look at the finished installation, 150 feet offshore, contrasted against the pink and teal sunset over Georgian Bay, a Great Blue Heron flew slowly and majestically across the entire scene...