This sculpture is an intriguing and interesting one and offers several points for analysis. The heart shape is slanted and there is almost a sense of sadness in the way it is portrayed with the main aspect being love and compassion. It is supposedly there to provide thought and warmth before entering the Recreation Centre which is perhaps one of the best places to relax on campus.
The heart and corresponding vein cross each other in a sense of geometrical accuracy. There is also a sense of peace in the whole aspect of the work which rather recalls the sculptures of the Renaissance. Indeed there are some biological references to it especially in the manner with which the vein crosses the heart. The sculpture’s setting is also very peaceful in the grounds just before the Recreation Centre which is a popular place with students.
There are also philosophical connections in the work since the heart is the source of life but the vein is also very important for the heart to continue to function. Thus we have the message that life has to go on and the Recreation Centre is a place where life is celebrated. The colours used in the sculpture are also quite faithful since we have the heart which is in pink and the vein which is in blue. Perhaps it is also being used to transmit a sense of love and positivity while at the end of the day all roads lead to the centre where one can relax and enjoy oneself. The sculpture is certainly a positive addition to the campus grounds.
Lumberjack
This imposing sculpture personifies the trade of the lumberjack who is an important figure in the United States especially in the Northern parts. He is portrayed as substantially larger than life, almost the size of one of those massive trees which populate the Northern states. The colours are also intriguing with a yellow shirt and blue trousers (which are probably jeans) and massive boots. The expression is half humorous and half sarcastic but certainly conveys a sense of power and absolute authority in every way. The axe is also quite large and imposing and is held in a certain way in the lumberjacks’ hands, again we are faced with considerable authority and aplomb by this king of the trees.
One can also analyse the head in some detail. The cap is a bright red which is in contrast with the blue and yellow which make up the rest of the lumberjack’s clothes while his beard conveys a sense of authority. The lumberjack is also possessed of an extremely powerful body and seems to brook no compromise as he holds his axe and is ready for anything.
One could describe this statue as a modern representation of today’s art and age. Although there are no real modernist tendencies in it, it is a work which is dedicated to the power of physical work and manual labour. Perhaps one can also compare it to the heart sculpture on campus for its portrayal of life and rude health. Although lumberjacks are on the wane these days, this sculpture certainly portrays the essence of their work with the axe a central focus of proceedings. A fantastic sculpture and statue indeed.
