Art is an effort to create, beside
the real world,
A more human world.
Andrè Maurois
The city is
a wonderful place and I always enjoy my time there. Last week I found myself
standing with Kat in the middle of Toronto Ontario with two hours to kill
before boarding a train and heading back home to the farm. What to do?
With the
backpack on my back filled with goodies from a Dutch store in Hamilton, sweet
treats for My Hero who had been doing all my farm work weighing me down, we
decided not to wander too far. Grabbing a bit of lunch at Jack Astor’s, a nice
place to drop that heavy bag, we talked about my escape from the winter’s grip
and my break from the often challenging during this extreme winter, chores. I
always do miss the farm when I am away but oh I do love to get away.
Now, Kat
has lived in the city for many a year and knows pretty much every spot a person
should visit. I always let her lead the way. The sun was shining and a warm
breeze blew. The people who had been hibernating through our long dark cold
winter were walking and smiling. Canadians always come out when the sun comes
out and always comment to each other “What a beautiful day.” Smiling and
greeting each other like we were best friends sharing a gift. Complete
strangers but with one common love of nature’s gift of warmth and light. This
is why I love the city.
Walking through
the downtown core and wandering into the financial district Kat climbs some
stairs just down from the corner of Wellington and York, (Toronto Dominion Centre) with me following close
behind. There they were. The biggest surprise this farm girl missing her own
farm has ever seen. Smack Dab in the middle of the largest city in Canada,
basking in the sun were a herd of life size bronze cows. Questions started
running through my head as I ran as quickly as I could to go touch them. I
thought of Bossy2 waiting for me to return from the city and pay some attention
to her. She was no doubt basking in the sun on the farm at this very same
moment, no doubt wondering where I was.
After
getting many shots at all different angles I text my brother, the artist, I
knew he knew who had created such beauty. Joe Fafard a Canadian artist from Saskatchewan.
They have apparently been here since 1985. I cannot believe I have never seen
them before. I want to thank Joe Fafard for having the talent to create such
beautiful creatures. Details right down to the eyelashes had me admire this
man’s work, no detail was left out. They must be seen to truly be appreciated.
I think that the city of Toronto is very wise
to have such a wonderful display in the middle of the city. In the middle of
crazy busy lives especially in the financial district where everyone can sit,
relax and enjoy a piece of the farm and forget where they really are just for a
moment or two.
I have
always found that there is nothing nicer than sitting in a pasture and enjoying
the company of a good crowd. I know this farm girl who is now back in her own pasture
with her own cows truly appreciated seeing that.
If you get
down there make a point to go see The Pasture. It is very similar to the one here,
down on Bossy2’s farm, well except for the tall buildings. Thanks Joe and the
city of Toronto for the two hours.
Later
What a peaceful moment in the midst of the chaos of city life; I can picture the huge smile on your face! Welcome back Miss B.
ReplyDeleteNow those are real sculptures and no some modern art that you can't relate too. I bet you were glad to get back home:)
ReplyDeleteI have been in Toronto but never had time to see everything as I was at a weekend conference. Your herd of cows looks mighty nice in full color. Thanks for showing this artist work.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back home
Hugs,
JB
just too sweet!!!
ReplyDeleteOh that sounds so fun!
ReplyDeleteCows you can HUG! xoxox
ReplyDeleteOh wow. Thank you. And Kat. And Joe.
ReplyDeleteHey Buttons ... you just wrote a powerful statement on the value of art! Sounds like had a great trip. Welcome home!
ReplyDeleteDo you remember the circle of Man in Calgary? The tall gangly metal people that had such a sense of village and peaceful coexistence!
ReplyDeleteThe last time I was i Toronto I was at a friends wedding...such a bust time...but isn't it grand to get home!
These sculptures made me smile. Who would have thought that in the middle of a city you would run into cows!
ReplyDeleteHow nice to find these beautiful cow sculptures in the middle of Toronto. I'm glad you had a break from winter and messy spring. And yes, it's true about sunshine in spring bringing out people everywhere. Dressed in everything from sneaker, shorts and tees to winter jackets and boots too! Take care and enjoy your cows.
ReplyDeleteI have seen them also, not something you expect to see in the middle of Toronto.
ReplyDeleteAhh...well behaved cows, never making a mess in the city! You should've left one of them a hat...but then Bossy 2 might've been jealous. :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic all around!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea for an art exhibit. Everyone needs a pasture, no matter where they live.
ReplyDeleteNow that's a very cool idea. I'll bet many people know about this and make sure they visit.Welcome back to the blog.
ReplyDeleteSo very, very far from where I live but I would so love to see them!
ReplyDeleteSoooooooooooooooooooo Cool!!! I love them. What a great surprise! Little things like that make life grand.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great exhibit! You had a grand time while you were away! xo Nellie
ReplyDeleteBossy's2 would be a mighty fine visit . . .
ReplyDeleteSeeing The Pasture in the midst of the city life
would be mighty nice too . . .
(Not like the GREEN of Bossy2 land though!)
B,
ReplyDeleteIt's sounds to me like you totally enjoyed your trip and visiting your friend. What a great place to check in the middle of the city with the cow statues.
I know your Hero and Bossy2 will be happy to see you when you return home.
Hugs,
Sandy
That is a pretty cool exhibit, just got an email of your blog post. Great post!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a fabulous visit with Kat and glad you came across a fun find!
ReplyDeleteJust love the statue!
ReplyDeleteLynne x
What a neat art exhibit in the middle of the Big City!! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat...no bronze cowflaps???
ReplyDeleteI just wish you had brought one of your hats along for them to model! ;)
ReplyDeleteMy very favorite Joe Faffard piece is the stampeding horses. They are at the National Gallery in Ottawa. He did some pretty sweet sheep too!
ReplyDeleteInteresting sculpture there in Toronto....nice to go away and nice to get home.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet...so fun!!
ReplyDelete