Public Artwork
A Million Summers
Location:
Surrey Sports and Leisure Aquatic and Fitness Facility, 16555 Fraser Highway , Surrey, BC, Canada
See map: Google Maps
Artwork creator(s):
Williams, Blake
Text author(s):
Williams, Blake
Collaborator(s):
Children from the nearby William Watson Elementary School (drawings of images reproduced on ceramic tiles)
Installation year:
1999
Remarks on location:
Fleetwood neighbourhood. 2 panels of tiles located on the wall near the entrance doors, spans the lobby; 4 panels at the end of the pool; 12 glass viewing frames laminated along windows overlooking the garden; 128 tiles, produced by elementary school students, located in the washrooms/change rooms
Description:
An extensive set of murals and two-dimensional artworks evoke movement and flight, human accomplishment and cultural diversity. Installed at one end of the pool are four large tile murals of diving figures.
Text of the artwork:
a million summers
forgotten secrets
whispered on ripples
against sand
boulder to boulder
gravity gone
garibaldi looming
volcanic heart
receding
down
through forests
of peoples ancient
scent of salt
as cedars open
granite faces
stacked above
hand holds set
Qelesilhp
water goes right by
Ta’telew
little creek
Xwthexth’exem
always nettle place
Setl’amaqemen
tides high we can go
Text theme:
Water
Artwork theme:
Sports, health, ambition and achievement, major religions of Surrey’s culturally diverse communities, nature, history.
Note(s):
Budget: design, fabrication & installation $112,500
Language: English and Sto:lo
Artist's biography:
Blake Williams
Owner(s):
City of Surrey Public and Community Art Collection Document(s):
Syndicate
