Kew Garden

Why a carving in Kew Garden?

The trees in Kew Garden are about one hundred years old and are nearing the end of their life cycle. Currently, several large oaks have died or have become too weak to sustain the weight of their branches. As a safety measure, the Parks and Recreation department has been required to cut down, approximately, twenty-five of these trees for the safety of the Beaches community. Although new seedlings have been planted, it will be many years before they grow to replace the large oaks. To compensate for the loss of these great trees and to enrich the experience of attending Kew Garden these large oaks should be preserved, by transforming them into works of art. The carving of the Three Fates is my gift to the City of Toronto. By demonstrating that these trees can be recycled into works of art it is my hope that this project will grow to involve the Beaches community and other organizations, which care for our parks and green spaces.

What's the carving about?

The Three Fates

Three sisters, believed to be responsible for one's allotment in life, one's past, present and future, include Clotho, who spins the thread at the beginning of life, Lachesis, who weaves the thread of life into the fabric of one's actions, and Atropos who snips the thread at the end of life. This trio is also know as The Fates.

The stump splits into three branches. On each of the three branches a face depicting one of the three Fates or Moriri has been carved. For each of the Fates, signs, symbols and figures from world mythology representative of past, present or future will be incorporated into the Fate's headdress and hair. This hidden imagery will engage the viewer's imagination and provide additional insights into the work's meaning.

What Do the Three Fates look like?

Clotho (Past)

Clotho, the youngest of the three sisters is responsible for spinning the thread of life.

Clotho is depicted as a young girl. Her eyes and mouth are closed as though she is sleeping, representing that the past can't be altered and can only be accessed through dreams and memories.

Signs and symbols associated with Clotho and the past.

Egg

The overall form of this work is in the shape of an egg, symbolic of the beginning and origin of life.

Flower

The outer rim of the egg form has several peddles representing the season spring and the birth or the beginning of a new cycle of life.

Cord of life

The cord which flows through out the work is symbolic of the thread of life which Clotho spins. This form also represents the umbilical cord, out physical cord of life, which sustains humans for their first nine months of development while in their mother's womb.

East

Clotho has been carved on the eastern side of the stumpsymbolic of the morning and a new cycle.

Lachesis (Present)

Lachesis, the second of the three sisters is responsible for weaving the thread of life into the fabric of our actions.

Lachesis, is depicted as a women in her thirties. Her eyes and mouth will be open representing that only in the present do we have the power to effect change in ourselves and in the world around us.

Signs and symbols associated with Atropos.

Dragon

The Dragon will relate to both Western and Eastern cultures; representing life's obstacles, challenges or gifts.

In Eastern cultures the dragon represent luck and good fortune, while in West the dragon is often depicted an obstacle to overcome. Currently in everyone's life, in the present, there are dragons to befriend and others to overcome. What type of dragons do you keep?

North

Lachesis was carved on the North face of the stump and is situated between Clotho and Lachesis representing the middle of a cycle.

Atropos (Future)

Atropos, the eldest of the three sisters, is according to Greek mythology responsible for deciding when one's life is to end.

Atropos, is depicted as an old yet wise women. Her eyes will be open with the third eye representing wisdom and self-awareness located in the center of her forehead incorporated into her headdress.

Signs and symbols associated with Lachesis.

Phoenix

The Phoenix represents new beginnings being forged. The Phoenix may represent a new generation coming of age or may represent the next stage in an individual's life, new career or a change of residence. The phoenix may also depict the transition from this life to the next.

Ravens

Due to their dark color, and the traditional association of death and blackness, it is no surprise that many cultures viewed crows and ravens as intermediaries between us and the afterlife, or associated them with sorrow and dying. In fact, carrion birds were usually the first scavengers on the scene after a death, and feasted on man and beast alike. Their reputation among such peoples was grim one, and many scorned the birds, or cursed their presence.

According to Norse legends, Oden kept two specific ravens, called Hugin and Munin, whose job it was to keep him informed of everything which happened on the earth. Hugin's name meant 'thought' and Munin, 'memory'. When the two would leave him, he would be without thought or memory until they returned. When the two ravens did return they would tell him stories of all they had witnessed or heard.

Owl

The owl, a creature of the night, is seen by some as a bird of ill omen representing death or mourning. Others see the owl, because of its exceptional ability to see and navigate in the darkness, as a symbol of knowledge, awarness and timeless wisdom.

Third Eye of Awareness

The third eye represents awarness and a conection to the divine. It's appropriate that the Owl holds it within its beak.

Seven Eggs

The seven eggs represent the seven charkas found within the human spiritual body and are considered, if unlocked or developed, a key to self-awarness and fulfillment. The seven eggs form steps inwards representing this introspection or spiritual journey.

West

Lachesis was carved into the western side of the stump facing the setting sun signifying the end of a cycle. To some cultures the west was considered the domain of the dead.

How were the Carvings Created?

Click here to learn more

Possibilities for the Future

If, in the future the project is extended beyond this one sculpture, many of the old trees would have been turned into works of art and the once small seedling, now mature, would have grow to the size of the trees, which they were planted to replace years ago. The experience would be breathtaking. The community high schools or various art programs throughout the Beaches could participate in the planning and carving of the old trees. The theme or narrative of the sculpture garden would be drawn from mythology, legends and religious lore from around the world; representing the diverse culture of individuals who have come to call the Beaches and Toronto Home.

Voice your comments regarding this project by contacting your local Councilor and Mayor.

Councillor Sandra Bussin
Ward 32 Beaches-East York
councillor_bussin@city.toronto.on.ca
Phone 416-392-1376

Councillor Joe Pantalone
Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina
councillor_pantalone@city.toronto.on.ca
Phone 416-392-4009

Mayor Mel Lastman
mayor_lastman@city.toronto.on.ca
Phone 416-395-6464