Birds of a Feather

“Birds of a feather,” is a common phrase implying that individuals who are likeminded and believe in a collective nature tend to be communal. The hooped arms of the male figure in this sculpture, created by Ted Fullerton, represent the completeness and inclusivity of Market Square’s shared public space and symbolize social and environmental responsibility. The figure’s arms also mirror the shape of the water feature the sculpture looks across. Yellow birds are perched on his arms and shoulder, symbolizing the gathering space the sculpture sits within.  Birds of a Feather is placed at the far side of Market Side near the pavilion in a garden bed. It is created in cast bronze with a limestone base.

This is the second sculpture in a series of four throughout Guelph’s Civic Precinct commissioned by the City in 2014. The placement 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 sight line 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