How many sculptures do you know have a book written about it's making? How about a documentary about it? Well, if you live in New York, Paris, Rome, or London, the answer might be "Yes." But Vancouverites would probably say "No."
For locals, I'd say move your butt over to Stanley Park, and right near by the famed Totem Poles, you'll find Luke Marsten's "Shore to Shore."
Erected in 2015, this is a 14-foot bronze sculpture is surrounded by engraved Portuguese stone. At first glance, you may marvel at the things: Seine (fishing) nets, whaling harpoons, the Pacific coast salmon, and the three First Nation people, all standing tall and at attention ... and, as luck would have it, they're overlooking the city of Vancouver.
Looking deeper into the history, you'll see Portuguese Joe Silvey, one of BC's most colorful pioneers, along with (yes you're hearing that right) his TWO wives: Kwatleematt and Khaltinaht, (Silvey's first wife was a noblewoman from the Musqueam and Squamish First Nations).
Better yet, Marsten has sculpted his great-great-grandparents! What a great intermingling of generations, as well as Coast Salish First Nations and Portuguese culture!
So if you haven't been to Stanley Park in a while, it's time to see the Shore! read more