The Installation
The installation is a course of intriguing carved rock features that act as an optical illusion, visually appearing to obstruct a visitor’s path with a wall of stone and foliage from certain perspectives, while creating an uplifting silhouette from another. The concept takes inspiration from P-Gates, a device commonly found at entrances to pedestrian walkways designed to discourage the use of bicycles. When seen from afar, a P-Gate can appear as an unbroken, impenetrable barrier. However, when encountered up close, an s-shaped accessible pathway presents itself. Similarly, the installation is comprised of vertical rock slabs carved from solid black granite that convey formidable mass and immobility, symbolically standing in for the hindrances we encounter in our own lives. These rock features interrupt the pace of a visitor’s walk and in so doing, invite pensive moments. These elements are places of opportunity, where one can pause and reflect on personal obstacles, past, present and future. At that point, a route forward presents itself, and it becomes apparent that these obstacles are not insurmountable.
The Design
Although the path can be accessed from many points, the installation is designed to flow east-west akin to Terry Fox’s journey. Visitors enter from Queen’s Quay and experience the obstacles in a southwesterly direction, ending at an elevated vantage point. From this unique perspective, the granite impediments visually transform into a familiar silhouette, a meditation on the way many challenges can shape and strengthen us if we have the tenacity to face them bravely as Terry Fox did.
This uplifting revelation is coupled with a position of choice; from here visitors can define their future path. As visitors radiate outwards through the surrounding green space, circumnavigating the planting and topography with an approach of their own choosing, they can make connections with adjacent spaces and beyond. With them, they’ll carry the spirit and ideals of a young man with unshakable determination and a desire to affect positive change in the lives of others.
Click here to see the location of the park on the Toronto waterfront.
“It will be a place to remember Terry’s legacy, but also inspire generations to model his altruism and crusading spirit. ”
The Project
Throughout the Marathon of Hope, Terry Fox encountered challenge after challenge, both physical and psychological, taking myriad forms. Over the 3339 miles of terrain he crossed, every step was a test, and for anyone else, an excuse to quit. Yet he didn’t, and the world was inspired by his astounding perseverance. Although our challenges may be vastly different, the example of his optimism in the face of a challenge is applicable to every journey. This project entitled, “We are Shaped by the Obstacles We Face,” is a permanent, integrated, public art, and landscape architecture installation that strives to convey this to visitors in an experiential way.
