Cover Stories - Jeff Porter (2016)

Jeff Porter

7700 Minoru Gate

Area: City Centre
Location: Artist Designed access covers can be found throughout Richmond but are concentrated in the City Centre, Minoru, and Steveston Village.

Materials: Cast iron manhole covers

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

Description of Work

Cast iron artist designed access covers reflecting Richmond's Cultural Heritage.

Artist Statement

Artists, Gregg Allen, Caroline Dyck, Susan Pearson, and Jeff Porter have taken the common, previously unremarkable pieces of civic infrastructure and transformed the manhole covers into pieces of art that that reflect Richmond's Cultural Heritage.

Artist Jeff Porter’s work acknowledges Richmond’s Chinese population and their historical contribution to the city with the “shou” symbol. The “shou” symbol at the centre of the manhole cover is the blessing of longevity and good health. The design also includes fish scales and waves, which represent Richmond’s maritime history, and a bold pattern signifying reference to the Coast Salish peoples.