St. Thomas Welcomes New Metal Dandelion Sculpture

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 up more than 7 metres high and symbolize resilience, growth, and optimism, according to the city. They serve as a reminder that beauty can flourish even in tough conditions. 

The impressive metalwork comes from B. C.-based blacksmith Kyle Thornley of Metal Mind Forge and is displayed at the roundabout at Highbury Avenue and South Edgeware Road in the northeast part of the city. 

CBC’s Matt Allen had a chat 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 gigantic dandelion flowers at various stages of development. There are two buds, two yellow flowers, and two mature fluffy dandelions all attached to a concrete base. At the bottom, there’s a burst of rail spikes they’re growing out of.

Metal dandelions at a St. Thomas roundabout. (Grayden Laing/Establish Media/City of St. Thomas)

MA: What inspired you to choose dandelions for this project?

KT: When I started brainstorming ideas for the design competition, I thought about what makes a community special. Dandelions might be misunderstood but they’re really hardy plants. They’re often one of the first colors we see in springtime, which connects back to human experiences or thriving communities.

The dandelions represent a vibrant community that’s set up for growth; eventually leading to mature fluffy flowers sending their seeds into the world-symbolizing residents sharing their hopes and dreams.

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 keeps traditional blacksmithing alive while turning industrial steel into public art pieces showcased across Canada in this short documentary produced for CBC Creator Network.

Regarding growing out of rail spikes-it’s like rising from ashes reflecting a part of the town’s history right? Since St. Thomas was once Canada’s rail capital, it represents an evolving identity rooted deep in its past.

MA : I love all your thoughts behind this piece. You mentioned St. Thomas specifically ; how was it chosen for your sculpture ?

KT : They issued a national call seeking pre-qualifications , so you submit your portfolio , CV , and letter expressing intent before being selected as a finalist for site-specific designs. I’m so excited my concept got picked for one of their roundabouts.

MA : Can you walk us through your process? What goes into making such a large sculpture?

Oh wow , it’s an enormous task! I identify as an artist-blacksmith-I’m sort of specialized when it comes to metalwork-but there’s something thrilling about shaping metal using various machinery like power hammers along with custom anvils designed just for specific shapes needed on this project.Kyle Thornley from Metal Mind Forge in Revelstoke , B. C.(Submitted by Katie Langmuir )

There’s lots involved with design work including patterning components’ sizes , plasma cutting , extensive grinder work too clean things up properly then heating materials inside our forge where we form them using different machines requiring assembly afterward. Finally everything gets powder-coated giving it protection against wear. The sculpture mainly consists stainless steel topped off with color ensuring durability over time.

MA : How does it feel seeing everything finally installed ?

KT : These big projects occupy my shop space for ages consuming my headspace daily month after month even if I have help around me So witnessing culmination feels incredible-watching components come together throughout assembly makes every bit worth it !

LISTEN : Kyle Thornley tells story behind ‘ Thriving Roots ‘ on CBC ‘s Afternoon Drive

Afternoon Drive 7 : 23 ‘Gigantic’ metal dandelion sculpture draws awe in St. Thomas

A towering 7-meter tall sculpture made up of dandelions has just found its place at one roundabout here crafted by B. C.’s very own Kyle Thornley who shares insight about bringing it life.

Once those flowers are created along stems prepared ready-to-go there’s still long journey ahead traveling across country before arriving here! Installs always bring slight stress given buildup excitement but crane operator did amazing job ensuring proper fitment followed by huge celebration once mountain effort completed showcasing such magnificent piece now proudly resting within designated area since planned long ago!

Bringing the dandelion statue to life involved a lot of design work, patterning and the sizing of the components, plasma cutting and grinder work, said Kyle Thornley. (Submitted by Kyle Thornley)

MA : That sounds fantastic! What feedback have you received so far?

Oh absolutely ! I’ve honestly gotten more positive responses regarding this piece than any other project I’ve tackled thus far ! Just day later people began reaching out discovering who I am tracking down contact information receiving calls filled excitement expressing how thrilled they were loving final product!

I can’t explain how incredible it feels getting kind words back-people seem genuinely happy claiming it’s their favorite artwork around town while reminding me that St. Tomas holds quite reputation now thanks solely its unique array sculptures dotting those roundabouts.!

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