The Commerce Canoe - Public Art in Bastion Square

The last time the sun was shining here I went downtown to see what was happening in Bastion Square, the heart of the old city of Victoria, and I realized while I was there that I had never featured a photo of the most recent installation of public art in the square, pictured above. The sculpture is by Illarion Gallant and is called "The Commerce Canoe."

Seeds are symbolic of potential, said Gallant, in explaining why they are featured in his work. "What is the potential of the city for growth over time?"

The sculpture in [being] silver, green and red "is supposed to be optimistic."

The canoe is a deeply Canadian symbol, said Gallant, adding he has used its form in other sculptures.
(From the Times-Colonist March 2, 2008)

In the Shadows....

Victoria is a beautiful city but not all of its residents enjoy it equally. In the shadows or on the sidelines, there are always those less fortunate such as the panhandler above or the shopping cart person below.In Chancery Lane, below, a homeless person rests within a few meters of the lamplit sidewalk restaurants and bars of Bastion Square.

Bastion Square at Night

A few minutes walk up Government Street from Oh Gelato is the entrance to Bastion Square, and the Irish Times Pub, where all the best of Irish pubbery can be experienced, including live Irish music every night. Inside the square, you will find more restaurants and bars and later, if you're lucky, some great offbeat music.

Style

I enjoy the way young people decorate and dress themselves these days. Compared to fifty years ago they have much more freedom and use it, often, to dress with real taste and wit. The young lady in this photo, for instance, is dressed and coifed in a unique fashion that makes her look both attractive and interesting.

Chancery Lane

This short lane is really a part of Bastion Square. Its name comes from the law offices that used to occupy this brick building when the adjacent building was the first courthouse in the province. It still houses law offices and the Blue Carrot Cafe - great for soups and sandwiches. Sometimes Victoria is simply picturesque and there is nothing to do but take the picture and post it. Still, on a day like today when I'm suffering from an ear infection and it's raining, it's nice to have gaslamps and old bricks at hand.

Young Violinists - Bastion Square

Bastion Square seems to attract violinists. These two, while providing excellent entertainment, were probably not licensed because of their youth. However, it seems a good and harmless way for young performers to earn a little spare change and gain some experience in the challenges of playing for the public (see short video below).
Below is a 40 second sample of the music these kids were playing. It seemed particularly appropriate for the nautical flavour of Bastion Square (that's an old light house light beside them and the Maritime Museum behind them on their right.)

Chips

I mentioned the other day that I enjoyed the chips at Red Fish Blue Fish on the wharf below Bastion Square. They were so good (and cheap - $2.50) that I had to return for a second helping. Crispy on the outside, not greasy, soft and fluffy within. I always call them chips, but others prefer fries or French fries although the correctness of the last name is disputed by the Belgians, who claim to have invented this superb method of preparing potatoes. I refer you to the Belgian Fries website for more information on this important controversy. Whatever the name, I am very fond of them and these "Kennebec Chips," as they are called on the menu, are some of the best I've ever had. Bon appétit!

Violinist - Bastion Square

Downtown today to photograph one of Victoria's mechanical street clocks but got sidetracked about three times on the way there. Bastion Square was decked out for spring and this street musician was seated in front of his home at the Lighthouse Gallery. He can be seen in the broader context of Bastion Square at the bottom right of the photo below.
The second digression today was a visit to the Maritime Museum, just visible through the branches of the tree on the left. I was stunned by the range of interesting artifacts and information there AND one can take photographs so....

Bastion Square is not so much a square as a series of pedestrian-only open spaces running from Government Street down to Wharf Street (two blocks). At this time of year craftsmen and artists stalls here mingle with art galleries, sidewalk cafes and bars. It is the site of the original Fort Victoria and is intimately associated with the history and development of the city. We'll be visiting it often over the next months since nearly every building has a story to tell.

Bastion Square

As soon as the first hint of spring hits Victoria the Bastion Square restaurants and coffee bars blossom with umbrellas. This square has lots of interesting places to eat and drink, many craft stalls selling local artisans' works, the Maritime Museum and good live music. This photo was taken from the lower, Wharf Street side of the square. Directly behind me when I took it was this splendid Buick Special Convertible (1958?), and the Inner Harbour, as viewed by the sidewalk cafe patrons above.