Ravens (2011)

Thomas Cannell

Terra Nova Rural Park, 2431 Westminster Hwy.

Area: Thompson
Location: Enter the park from the north end on River Rd. It is located on the western side of the slough; southwest from the Parson's House.

Materials: Basalt, sandblasted design

Program: Civic
Ownership: Civic
Sponsored By: City of Richmond

Description of Work

A 3200 lbs basalt bench, sandblasted with a "Raven" design on its polished surface. The three sections are pinned and glued together with construction glue. 3200 lbs.

Artist Statement

For thousands of years the Coast Salish, my ancestors have inhabited much of the Lower Mainland. We harvested from many different places so that we never exploited one area. We continue to tell stories of the past so that we can learn from our history and help future generations understand where our teachings come from.

In the twentieth century, modern civilization lost its connection with nature; the good news is that slowly we are trying to make a real connection again based on respect and appreciation.

My Musqueam ancestors had many traditional sites in Richmond where they went to harvest food, present day Terra Nova Rural Park is one of those areas.

Coast Salish people have carved stone for thousands of years, using traditional hand tools. Modern tools however, make this task much less complicated. I chose to use this traditional medium to honor people of the past, present, and future.

From early on, I have learned the teachings of Coast Salish art. I chose to create a raven design because to my people he is known to be a crafty bird. Raven is a shape changer; he can take many forms. He is also a hero; he is brave. The land that Terra Nova Park encompasses has also seen many transformations, especially in the last two hundred years.