A Bird in Hand

Artist:
Ted Fullerton
Category:
Outdoor Art, Permanent, Sculpture, Statue
Materials:
Bronze, Limestone, Polyester Resin
Year:
2014

“A bird in hand,” is a common saying usually implying an appreciation and recognition of self-accomplishment. Commissioned by the City of Guelph in 2014, A Bird in Hand is one of four sculptures in a series created by artist, Ted Fullerton.

This sculpture of a female figure stands independently, with one arm firmly at its side and one outstretched in front. The single yellow bird that sits in the extended left hand is emblematic of self-reflection, freedom and introspection. Its location, just outside the front doors of City Hall in proximity with the Courthouse, symbolically suggests a respect and observance of justice and the merits of government, while inferring a generosity of spirit and nurturing character. A Bird in Hand is created in cast bronze with a limestone base.

A Bird in Hand, 2014, by Ted Fullerton

Photo credit: Chris Seto, Guelph Mercury

This is the first sculpture in Fullerton’s series throughout Guelph’s Civic Precinct. The placement of these sculptures through Market Square in front of City Hall along Carden Street into the transit hub of Guelph Central Station connects these public spaces in a cohesive, yet playful way. A single, unifying symbolic image of a yellow bird is incorporated within the different sculptures and the placement of each component of the installation establishes a progressive sightline of discovery allowing individuals to engage with the installation as they move through the busy civic gathering places. The bright yellow surfaces of the birds are used symbolically to imply enlightenment, joy and mysticism.

About the artist

Ted Fullerton is an acclaimed artist who works in contemporary painting, printmaking and sculpture. He has achieved numerous awards, such as the Juror’s Award in the CIM Centennial Art Competition, and the Boston Printmakers’ Juried Exhibition award. He has exhibited his work across Canada, England, Australia, Spain, and Yugoslavia. Locally, Fullerton’s work can be seen at the Art Gallery of Guelph’s Sculpture Park, and at the Benton and Charles Street municipal parking garage in Kitchener. Fullerton lives in Tottenham, Ontario, and is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art. To view his work visit www.tedfullerton.net.

Photo credit: Doug Crawford, Georgian College

Location

1 Carden Street, Guelph, Ontario N1H 3A1