Gambrel Journey, 2015

The City of Markham commissioned artist and educator kipjones to create this sculpture, which responds to the site of the Markham Museum with its focus on settlement, the environment and technology.

Gambrel JourneyReferencing a gambrel barn, the sculpture is a 21-foot-high skeletal post and beam like structure made of Corten steel and aluminum. The work blends history with the contemporary, reflecting Markham’s changing and growing demographic. The gambrel roof was traditionally built in the Markham area. Barn-raising was a collaborative effort emphasizing how established residents and newcomers joined together to build a community. The upper part of the work, made from light aluminum, mirrors the foundation barn it sits on. This open ascending form becomes a symbol of the future.

A bronzed replica of a Ramer bench, taken from the collection of the Museum, sits adjacent to the sculpture. While the scale of the gambrel structure signals the effort and journey of settlers, the seat reinserts a human scale, reflecting on the individuals of the community, and offering a place for contemplation and rest.

Artist Biography - kipjones

Born and raised in Victoria, BC, kipjones is a Toronto artist and educator who has exhibited nationally and internationally. He has participated in residencies in the Yukon and Newfoundland, designed, co-designed and built several permanent public art projects across the country including the Calgary International Airport, Moncton City Hall, Whistler, BC, Sackville, NB; Charlottetown, PEI and Markham, ON. Kipjones received his Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Concordia University.

Location

The sculpture is located on the Markham Museum site facing Markham Road.

Photos