Perch

Perch is placed at the far end of Guelph Central Station, close to where Carden and Macdonell Streets meet. To perch is a state of readiness for birds of flight, for departure or an action of having arrived, supporting the function and purpose of Guelph Central Station where the sculpture is installed.

Similar to Bird/Watching, the third sculpture in artist Ted Fullerton’s series, a large yellow bird sits on top of a steel pole mounted on a limestone base; however the posture and vantage point of each bird varies greatly.

This is the fourth and final sculpture in a series of installations throughout Guelph’s Civic Precinct commissioned by the City in 2014. The placement of the four separate pieces, 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 implying enlightenment, joy and mysticism. 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.

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, Ont., 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

79 Carden Street, Guelph, Ontario N1H 3A4