A Walk in the Woods in Haliburton

Mary Ellen sculpted “A Walk in the Woods in Haliburton”, at the studio of local sculptor John Beachli. The limestone and bronze piece stands 1.5 meters high and has been mounted on a granite base. The broad rounded lines conform to the natural character of the stone. The hiker, holding a bronze cast of a maple leaf , shows movement and emotion, but demands reaction. The contrast of the limestone to the summer forest creates a pleasant surprise as you approach it, but in winter blends in with a top hat and arm-full of snow.

Artist Statement: I work almost exclusively in stone using broad, rounded, rhythmic lines that conform to the natural character of the stones. My goal is to produce work that is tactile, shows movement and emotion, but demands reaction. The work should speak for itself without explanation or title, but be able to be interpreted by individuals in their own way. The challenge of working on large public sculpture is most rewarding. I enjoy the mental contest of finding the idea, relating the idea to the history and environment of the site and then bring the idea to fruition. My recent monumental sculptures have had an intricate bronze detail added to them to give them a distinct flavour and contrast beautifully with the smooth lines of the stones.