If you’re driving around St. Thomas, a new large and colorful sculpture might catch your attention.
The city has put up a new 25-foot, 10,000lb piece at the entrance of Yarmouth Yards, its latest industrial park.
Unveiled on Thursday, the Imagination Station structure reflects St. Thomas’ identity as Canada’s Railway City.
Briony Douglas is the Toronto artist responsible for this piece. She talked about her inspiration for the sculpture and what she hopes people will gain from it during an interview with guest host Nav Nanwa on CBC Radio’s Afternoon Drive.
The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Nav Nanwa: What can people expect to see when they visit the Imagination Station?
Briony Douglas: The idea behind Imagination Station is to inspire hope, creativity, and joy. A lot of my work features bright colors meant to evoke nostalgic feelings of happiness.
So what I created essentially brings back memories of joy from my childhood-specifically a toy wooden train.
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The Imagination Station is a 25-foot tall, 10,000 lb sculpture installed at St. Thomas’ Gateway to gateway to Yarmouth Yards, the city’s new industrial park. It was unveiled to the public on Aug. 13. (City of St. Thomas/Facebook)
NN: It’s really impressive! How long did it take you?
BD: We got involved in the project about a year ago. As you can imagine, there was quite a bit of back-and-forth with the city. I presented them with this idea and they agreed right away. From that point on, it just took off! It’s amazing to see something so whimsical and colorful in such an industrial area; I love that it can be something that brings a smile to someone’s day.
LISTEN | Artist behind St. Thomas’ Imagination Station describes her inspiration:
Afternoon Drive4:37Imagination Station sculpture unveiled in St. Thomas
A new piece of public art has been installed in St. Thomas, called the Imagination Station. The artist behind it, Briony Douglas, joins Afternoon Drive to explain the inspiration behind the piece.
NN: You’ve worked on similar projects before; how did you get started creating these kinds of sculptures?
BD: This is actually my very first permanent public sculpture! I’m on cloud nine right now-feeling a little tired but so honored to have done it! I usually create larger sculptures; that’s kind of what I’m recognized for-like those 12-foot tall pink cowboy boots for Boots and Hearts-lots of different things!
I got noticed by the city after building a sculpture called Inaugural 6 for PWHL sponsored by Royale-it was a giant hockey helmet made from hockey sticks belonging to six original women’s teams! That one ended up in the Hockey Hall of Fame!
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The large and colourful Imagination Station structure draws on St. Thomas’ identity as Canada’s Railway City. (City of St. Thomas/Facebook)
NN: How did people react during Thursday’s unveiling?
BD: Everyone seemed so happy! As someone who sometimes struggles with mental health myself, knowing that my work could make someone else feel good is really what drives me as an artist.
The mayor came by looking excited; we had this big unveiling ceremony with giant scissors while everyone cheered!
I think what matters most for me as an artist will always be how children react-they’re honest! If they don’t like something they’ll say so-but if they love it? Their enthusiasm shows through without any filters!
Kids reacting genuinely contributes heavily to my artwork too-I believe growing older doesn’t mean losing your sense of wonder or whimsy; we should all try finding joy in everyday moments-and that’s evident in my art too.
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