The artwork which resembles a blanket is a healing gesture to protect and nurture the remains of the tree. Some sources indicate that the artwork was a response to windstorm that destroyed a number of trees at Stanley Park – including the specific stump used. The medallions and twine were made from natural materials which can decay and return to nature. This artwork hints to the importance of nurturing nature. The collective nature of the creation process of this artwork enables it to become relevant and personal to locals of the city. The piece which transitioned from its original to decayed state exemplifies the natural cycle of life and death. Some sources cite the loss of the artist’s son as the inspiration for the piece.
While the making process and original final state of the cover is well document with pictures, little can be seen of the artwork today. However, the artwork didactic panel is said to be kept in place.
References:
“Cozy Environmental Art.” in Stanley Park | StanleyParkVan.com. Accessed July 28, 2021. https://stanleyparkvan.com/stanley-park-van-art-environmental-cozy.html.
Grande, John K. Shirley Wiebe: Cozy. Other, n.d. https://vancouver.ca/files/cov/interview-with-shirley-wiebe.pdf.
Laurence, Robin. “Ephemeral Art Appears in Stanley Park.” The Georgia Straight, April 3, 2014. https://www.straight.com/article-164289/ephemeral-art-appears-park.
“Stanley Park Environmental Art Project.” City of Vancouver. Accessed July 28, 2021. https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park-environmental-art-project.aspx.
“Stanley Park Environmental Art Project: Self-Guided Tour.” City of Vancouver, n.d. https://vancouver.ca/files/cov/stanley-park-environmental-art-project-self-guided-tour.pdf.
Project Title: Cozy
Artist: Shirley Wiebe
Year: 2009
Place: Vancouver, British Columbia
Activism, Art, B.C., BC, British Columbia, Completed Projects, conservation, Data, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Public, Sculpture, Temporary