Bear with Salmon
Location: Epcor Tower, Edmonton, Alberta
Artist Statement
Bear with Salmon represents a process of gathering energy. The bear is hunting and feeding. It is a scene of plenty. Not all the salmon swimming at the bear’s feet are destined to become dinner. Most of the spawning salmon will reach their nesting grounds to lay their eggs and there will be more salmon born the following year. In this way, the piece represents survival, and the vital energy of life cycles.
The bear and salmon are made out of stainless steel using centuries-old casting methods and techniques. These materials serve to galvanize the image of the company and the building. As a sculpture for the inaugural Stationlands project, Bear with Salmon serves as the foundation for long-lasting prosperity and paves the way for future growth.
At a height of 10’ and weighing in at over 7200 lbs., the sheer size of Bear with Salmon is a technical feat. Concurrently, the tower itself is the first multi-story structure to be built in Edmonton in 20 years. The sculpture harmonizes the vision and commitment of Qualico Developments and Epcor to not only to invigorate places of doing business, but also to stimulate a forgotten urban area.
Bear with Salmon is about strength and dominance, and at the same time, the sculpture evokes the notion of surrender and humility. Many cultures hold the bear as a symbol of purity, strength, and authority. The bear is protective and permanent; patient and full of fortitude. It is innocent as well as prodigiously responsible.
The sculpture is an iconic and enduring Canadian symbol and exemplifies the power of the natural world.
Bear with Salmon represents a process of gathering energy. The bear is hunting and feeding. It is a scene of plenty. Not all the salmon swimming at the bear’s feet are destined to become dinner. Most of the spawning salmon will reach their nesting grounds to lay their eggs and there will be more salmon born the following year. In this way, the piece represents survival, and the vital energy of life cycles.
The bear and salmon are made out of stainless steel using centuries-old casting methods and techniques. These materials serve to galvanize the image of the company and the building. As a sculpture for the inaugural Stationlands project, Bear with Salmon serves as the foundation for long-lasting prosperity and paves the way for future growth.
At a height of 10’ and weighing in at over 7200 lbs., the sheer size of Bear with Salmon is a technical feat. Concurrently, the tower itself is the first multi-story structure to be built in Edmonton in 20 years. The sculpture harmonizes the vision and commitment of Qualico Developments and Epcor to not only to invigorate places of doing business, but also to stimulate a forgotten urban area.
Bear with Salmon is about strength and dominance, and at the same time, the sculpture evokes the notion of surrender and humility. Many cultures hold the bear as a symbol of purity, strength, and authority. The bear is protective and permanent; patient and full of fortitude. It is innocent as well as prodigiously responsible.
The sculpture is an iconic and enduring Canadian symbol and exemplifies the power of the natural world.