Page Content Reflections, 1998Artist: Mary Ellen FarrowCategory: Public ArtworksAddress: 2 Wellington Street West, BramptonUnveiled in 1999, Reflections is a sculpture that was created to compliment the history of the City of Brampton. The sculpture was made possible in part by the donation of the locally quarried stone by DelMedico family. As the name indicates the sculpture is a reflection as in a pool or in the recesses of one’s memory - not a perfect outline of the form therefore it is indistinct - not entirely visible but not forgotten either - this haziness brings a blurring of features - there is just enough reality to provoke a thought or an abstract idea. You see the figure more as you would a silhouette or shadow rather in a clear photograph. The only clear image is that of the bronze rose in relief. The figure is posed In a relaxed, patient manner looking up into City Hall holding a bronze rose with, an antique patina, behind its back - this signifies that the past is always there waiting for the future to catch up to it and cannot be ignored. Brampton has a rich and interesting history as the ‘Flower town’ of Canada and although it is awe inspiring to have seen the cities growth in the last twenty years its’ roots as an agricultural community should not be forgotten. “My goal as an artist is to produce work in broad rounded lines that conform to the natural character of the stone. The work should be tactile, show movement and emotion, but demand reaction.” – Mary Ellen FarrowMediaArtist InformationAfter many years of experimenting with various art forms Mary Ellen Farrow finally discovered stone sculpting while attending a fine arts course at Sheridan College. She then joined the Mississauga Sculpture Studio and went on to study sculpture at Ontario College of Art and Design, Fleming College and with many noted sculptors. Her studio gallery, which is open to the public, is in the Williams Mill, Glen Williams, Ontario where she teaches as well as creates. Her works have been selected for many public and private commissions, corporate gifts and grace many private homes and gardens. Artist Statement My work has been described as being contemporary, whimsical, poignant, motherly and tactile. For me it needs to make a statement, to have balance, to have rhythm and flow. To achieve this I use round sweeping lines that conform with the stones. I generally work with limestone, alabaster, marble or soapstone, creating artwork ranging from miniature to monumental in size. The monumental stone sculptures have been well thought out to enhance their environment and relate well to the concept. I have been an active member of both the Sculptors Society of Canada and the Ontario Society of Artists as well as a founding member of Beaux Arts, Brampton.
