Estimated 6 minutes
Move over, Jumbo the elephant.
St. Thomas has a new eye-catching statue in town: a gigantic metal dandelion plant.
The dandelions, called Thriving Roots, rise more than 7 metres high and symbolize resilience, growth and hope, according to the city, serving as a reminder that beauty can flourish even in difficult conditions.
The metalwork was designed and crafted by B. C.-based blacksmith Kyle Thornley of Metal Mind Forge, and it’s on display at the roundabout located at Highbury Avenue and South Edgeware Road in the city’s northeast.
CBC’s Matt Allen spoke with Thornley on Afternoon Drive.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
MA: Could you describe what the statue looks like?
KT: It features huge dandelion flowers at various stages of development. There are two dandelion buds, two yellow flowers, and two mature fluffy dandelions all mounted on a concrete base. At the bottom, there’s a cluster of rail spikes that they’re growing out of.
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Metal dandelions at a St. Thomas roundabout. (Grayden Laing/Establish Media/City of St. Thomas)
MA: What inspired you to create dandelions?
KT: When I was putting together my concept for the project competition, I started thinking about key aspects of community. Dandelions may be misunderstood but they are incredibly resilient plants. Especially in springtime when they’re among the first colors to show up; I wanted to connect that back to human experiences or healthy communities.
The dandelions represent a thriving community where conditions are ideal for growth and development; this leads to maturity where the fluffy flowers release their seeds into the world-signifying residents sending their hopes and dreams out there.
WATCH: Meet this blacksmith from Revelstoke, B. C., creating imaginative public art
This Revelstoke blacksmith shapes steel into imaginative creations
Kyle Thornley from Metal Mind Forge in Revelstoke, B. C., keeps traditional blacksmithing alive while turning industrial steel into public art pieces displayed across Canada. Short documentary produced for CBC Creator Network.
As for growing out of rail spikes-it’s kind of like rising from ashes; reflecting part of St. Thomas’ history as once being known as Canada’s railway capital-now taking on a new identity but still having strong roots and deep history... here’s. MA:.I really like
(all)</(the) thoughts/(and )(feels good)(you drew on) (for )this piece).
(It represents community that’s flourishing!)You mentioned St.(and) Thomas. So how was it picked specifically ?.KT:(They put out(a call nationally just(a request)(for )(pre-qualification so you apply with portfolio)(CV)((&))a letter(out)(of intent & get chosen(what is? -which.)((finalist))(to do site-specific design))). I’m very excited(that my concept ((was chosen )) (for )(one(eighteen)))((roundabouts)).<matteqa(kahnnnel 🙂 take us into your process here. Just kind(a little() about which type work goes into making sculpture(this size?(very.).Oh wow!! many steps! I’m also an artist-blacksmith.(pretty exciting just hot processing metal under different machinery:)(power hammers lots;) They have custom(dies , tools made set up shops^^^( to create different shapes(project) done)). ()moreover), its -lots(design work patterning sizing components plasma cutting grinder work. clean stuff. We heat materials forge(take shape machines;) then assemble plus powder-coat(surfacing finishing:) mostly stainless steel sculpture w/coloration (so durable time)..
M. A:. How does see finished product installed?
K. T.: Projects in shop dominate headspace working months help some(stressful build-up). Crane operator fantastic fit nicely big celebration when completed mountain checked off box finally exists !!
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This Revelstoke blacksmith shapes steel into imaginative creations
Kyle Thornley from Metal Mind Forge in Revelstoke, B. C., keeps traditional blacksmithing alive while turning industrial steel into public art pieces displayed across Canada. Short documentary produced for CBC Creator Network.
As for growing out of rail spikes-it’s kind of like rising from ashes; reflecting part of St. Thomas’ history as once being known as Canada’s railway capital-now taking on a new identity but still having strong roots and deep history... here’s. MA:.I really like
(all)</(the) thoughts/(and )(feels good)(you drew on) (for )this piece).
(It represents community that’s flourishing!)You mentioned St.(and) Thomas. So how was it picked specifically ?.KT:(They put out(a call nationally just(a request)(for )(pre-qualification so you apply with portfolio)(CV)((&))a letter(out)(of intent & get chosen(what is? -which.)((finalist))(to do site-specific design))). I’m very excited(that my concept ((was chosen )) (for )(one(eighteen)))((roundabouts)).<matteqa(kahnnnel 🙂 take us into your process here. Just kind(a little() about which type work goes into making sculpture(this size?(very.).Oh wow!! many steps! I’m also an artist-blacksmith.(pretty exciting just hot processing metal under different machinery:)(power hammers lots;) They have custom(dies , tools made set up shops^^^( to create different shapes(project) done)). ()moreover), its -lots(design work patterning sizing components plasma cutting grinder work. clean stuff. We heat materials forge(take shape machines;) then assemble plus powder-coat(surfacing finishing:) mostly stainless steel sculpture w/coloration (so durable time)..
{{listen}}K. T telling story behind ‘thriving Roots’ CBCs afternoon drive {{7::23o’clock}}}({gigantic })metal{{dandy}} sculptures inspire awe st. thomas :
A 7-meter tall sculpture(Dandys!! just got installed{{roundabout}}{{St. Thoms }}, created by {{B. C. metal worker K. T}} ({shares(((story)}} behind today!!)}. {{Q&A}} when flowers ready go(both stems done) huge trip across country getting here(installs stressful such big buildup)!.
T. H. er crane operator amazing everything fits perfectly!! And massive fun , so much check mark boxes complete @ last we have giant sculptures situated where designated so long ago.
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