The Moment
Slated to arrive in 2020, the sculpture dubbed “The Moment” is meant to be installed at the same time as construction is completed for the new Clayton Community Centre (72 Ave between 184 and 188 St). Studio Morison conducted three months of research with 300 locals before proposing their public art concept. Inspired by a Margaret Atwood, the sculpture considers how individuals might enjoy a space together.
Studio Morison’s research period culminated in “The Impossible Rainbow Dinner” in April of this year. They hosted 90 students at Clayton Heights Secondary and created pottery using molds based on deflated sports balls found on the site of the future recreation centre. The night was an exercise in how it is possible to take discarded objects and transform them into something beautiful.
The final work will be over 6 metres tall and made entirely of steel. The abstract shape is meant to be viewed from any and every angle to emphasize the various diverse backgrounds and perspectives within the community.
The Rivers That Connect Us
Coming to the Surrey Museum (17710 56A Avenue) in 2019, this sculpture is a collaborative effort between three artists from kʼwyʼiʼyʼe Spring Salmon Studio: Drew Atkins, Phyllis Atkins, and Aaron Jordan. The work is based on Coast Salish symbolism. The arrangement of the paddles are intentionally in a welcoming gesture, symbolising inclusiveness in Surrey and the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples.
Carved into the blades is the form of the Coast Salish eye. The base of the statue, on which the paddles stand, is decorated with a Coast Salish spindle whorl. The designs in the medallion represent the seven traditional teachings of the Coast Salish peoples: health, happiness, generations, humility, forgiveness, understanding, and teaching. The paddles will be made of aluminium, while the base will be made out of concrete.
