#The Secret Bench of Knowledge by Lea Vivot

[rabbitcruiser]

Benches/Chairs (No. 40)

Ottawa, ON (five pics)

Montréal, QC (five pics)

[resurrectedwarrior76]

Art is emotion, feelings, passion, humor, and the unveiling of one’s spirit. Creating art can open one up to things inside of their being they were not sure were there or maybe they knew were there but needed to expose it and show it to other human beings. Viewing art can reveal to the viewer something inside of themselves or a perspective seen from the artist’s standpoint that they were trying to reveal to the viewer. The emotions felt when looking at, touching, or listening to a piece of art, have a greater bandwidth than I realized until recently. 

 The Last Supper was just a piece of art that someone threw together and was reprinted and hung in countless homes I had visited – until I learned the techniques and countless hours that DaVinci put into creating it and educating myself which mediums he used and how long it took him to paint it on the wall of the monastery in Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan Italy, as well as the efforts of many to restore it over the years.  

Prior to observing the painting Interrogation by Ali Banidadr, I thought of abstract art as paint thrown onto a canvas carelessly and haphazardly to sell a piece of “art” for thousands of dollars and more. While studying this painting I saw so much more than that. I saw a war scene and brilliant colors placed on a canvas with intentionality and purpose. The use of lines in the painting created a scene that would be missed had I not taken the time to see what the artist intended. I saw a canvas “filled with activity, a battle on earth and a possible spiritual battle” as well. 

I have lived in my city for a little over three years and have noticed several statues in the park nearby. I always liked the statues, but really paid little attention to their details or put much thought into who created them. While studying sculpture as a form of art, I was sent to take photographs of one and ended up taking photos of many of them. I also ran into a homeless lady named Katie who knew much of the city’s history, and we spoke for about an hour about the artists and how the statues came to be and how long they have been in the city center. Hearing her passion for them sparked an appreciation for them that I did not have previously. As I drive by The Secret Bench of Knowledge on my way home from work every day I think of the Canadian artist Lea Vivot, and how the bench used to be in Naples but was moved to Bonita and I am thankful that they no longer appreciated it and that I now have the pleasure of it being in my city.  

Poetry has never been something I appreciated much because I did not take the time to appreciate it. Dog was just a story of a dog who “wandered the streets enjoying the surroundings and taking in sights and smells of the city” until I read the poem a few times, then realized there was something political being said and had nothing really to do with a dog at all! What creativity to take a story about a dog and make it human.  

Music has always been my top priority of most days. I love listening to music as it does much for my soul and how I feel and changes my mood if necessary. Every song I found to do with happiness, not only had words that reflected happiness, but the musical notes themselves made me feel good and lifted me up.  

From the music that “incites happiness,” to the poem Dog which I thought was about a happy dog wandering the streets living his best life, to The Last Supper, I can distinguish that I lean toward things that are either spiritual in nature or that bring a sense of happiness to me. It is easy to fall prey to the negativity of the world and it can drag you down before you even know what happened. Through this journey, I can see that I have a constant drive that brings me towards things that will turn an adversarial day into a sunny one instead. Not only have I been able to recognize a constant in my personality or things I am drawn to, but I have a new appreciation for art and the artists who create them.  

[danierchen]

歹徒连多伦多500磅重雕塑都偷走值50万

 6 评论 加国无忧 51.CA 2020年9月1日 15:06 来源：加拿大TCNnews </

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多伦多市到处充满了艺术气息，从博物馆到街头艺术，昨晚1个非常著名的雕塑从其主人的家庭前院被偷走，这个名为“知识的秘密长凳”（The Secret Bench of Knowledge），原作者是多伦多著名艺术家Lea Vivot。

这个雕塑有500磅重，描述亚当和夏娃在长凳上轻抚，目前多伦多警方正在寻找这个被盗的雕塑，其主人则悬红5千元给提供线索的人。

据环球新闻报道，此雕塑于1986年完成，当时以15万元的价格卖给了多伦多居民Murray Goldman，后者把他装在自己位于Strathean大道上的居所前院的石头上。

据称此雕塑现在已经价值50万元。

警方表示，嫌疑人在午夜刚过就来到Murray…

[highvoltagearea]

500-pound sculpture stolen from outside Toronto home overnight, police say –

    Officers are searching for a “valuable,” 500-pound sculpture created by Canadian artist and sculptor Lea Vivot that was allegedly stolen by multiple suspects from outside a Toronto home early Thursday.

According to a statement issued by Toronto police, The Secret Bench of Knowledge sculpture — of which there are several castings in different Canadian and U.S. cities — was on display in front of a home on Strathearn Boulevard, west of Spadina Road.

It was alleged the suspects loaded the sculpture, a life-size metallic bench with two people on its left side, into a white van just after midnight.

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  The statement said investigators released details of the investigation with the hope it would “assist in the recovery of this treasured community piece.”

Anyone with information was asked to call police at 416-808-1300 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.

Story continues below advertisement

0828 15:00 Lea Vivot Sculpture: Secret Bench Of Knowledge Sculpture…e Of Ar2rk Rlsd https://t.co/hBFbNf5jJ1

— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) August 28, 202

SOURCE

source https://highvoltagearea.com/500-pound-sculpture-stolen-from-outside-toronto-home-overnight-police-say/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=500-pound-sculpture-stolen-from-outside-toronto-home-overnight-police-say

[rabbitcruiser]

Let’s Hug Day

Grab a friend, family member or other beloved person and get ready to show them how much they are loved because it’s time for Let’s Hug Day!

History of Let’s Hug Day

Hugging has probably been around since humans discovered what a delight it is to embrace and wrap arms around each other. However it began, it continues to be a way that friends and family members show affection to each other.

And it is interesting to note that the hug is a universal form of showing affection. While certain forms of greeting might change based on culture, like the handshake or the bow or the high five, the hug seems to be universal among almost all cultures in places all over the world.

What was probably known all along but not able to be scientifically proven is the fact that hugs are necessary for humans to thrive. This is especially true for babies after they are born. Children who do not receive hugs and cuddles when they are small usually fail to thrive and grow in the way healthy, well-loved children will.

And adults can certainly benefit from hugs also. In fact, many studies have been made to reveal that hugs can be healthy not only for the mental and emotional benefits, but hugging is also a helpful way to promote better physical health.

So don’t be shy – get ready to celebrate and hug someone on Let’s Hug Day!

How to Celebrate Let’s Hug Day

Try out some of these delightful ideas for enjoying and celebrating on Let’s Hug Day:

Hug Someone on Let’s Hug Day

Of course, the most important thing to do on this day is to give someone you love a big hug. First thing in the morning, grab a family member and give them a big bear hug. Or call up a friend and meet them for coffee, adding in an additional hug just in honor of Let’s Hug Day.

Of course, this day is just the beginning and can act as a great reminder that hugs are fun and healthy any day of the year!

Learn About the Health Benefits of Hugs

Who knew that hugs are not only enjoyable but they can actually assist in improving a person’s health? In celebration of Let’s Hug Day, take a look at some of the ways that practicing regular hugs with beloved people can give a health boost to children and adults alike:

Hugs Reduce Stress. As a sign of support and solidarity, hugs provide a boost to mental health. Touch has been proven to reduce the negative impact of painful and stressful situations in humans. And it’s also good for the person who is offering the hug to show support.

Hugs Can Improve the Immune System. Hugs may help to increase the protection against illness by offering support, which reduces the risk of getting sick.

Hugs May Increase Heart Health. Hugs have been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, which are important factors related to heart health.

Source

[rabbitcruiser]

Let’s Hug Day

Grab a friend, family member or other beloved person and get ready to show them how much they are loved because it’s time for Let’s Hug Day!

History of Let’s Hug Day

Hugging has probably been around since humans discovered what a delight it is to embrace and wrap arms around each other. However it began, it continues to be a way that friends and family members show affection to each other.

And it is interesting to note that the hug is a universal form of showing affection. While certain forms of greeting might change based on culture, like the handshake or the bow or the high five, the hug seems to be universal among almost all cultures in places all over the world.

What was probably known all along but not able to be scientifically proven is the fact that hugs are necessary for humans to thrive. This is especially true for babies after they are born. Children who do not receive hugs and cuddles when they are small usually fail to thrive and grow in the way healthy, well-loved children will.

And adults can certainly benefit from hugs also. In fact, many studies have been made to reveal that hugs can be healthy not only for the mental and emotional benefits, but hugging is also a helpful way to promote better physical health.

So don’t be shy – get ready to celebrate and hug someone on Let’s Hug Day!

How to Celebrate Let’s Hug Day

Try out some of these delightful ideas for enjoying and celebrating on Let’s Hug Day:

Hug Someone on Let’s Hug Day

Of course, the most important thing to do on this day is to give someone you love a big hug. First thing in the morning, grab a family member and give them a big bear hug. Or call up a friend and meet them for coffee, adding in an additional hug just in honor of Let’s Hug Day.

Of course, this day is just the beginning and can act as a great reminder that hugs are fun and healthy any day of the year!

Learn About the Health Benefits of Hugs

Who knew that hugs are not only enjoyable but they can actually assist in improving a person’s health? In celebration of Let’s Hug Day, take a look at some of the ways that practicing regular hugs with beloved people can give a health boost to children and adults alike:

Hugs Reduce Stress. As a sign of support and solidarity, hugs provide a boost to mental health. Touch has been proven to reduce the negative impact of painful and stressful situations in humans. And it’s also good for the person who is offering the hug to show support.

Hugs Can Improve the Immune System. Hugs may help to increase the protection against illness by offering support, which reduces the risk of getting sick.

Hugs May Increase Heart Health. Hugs have been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, which are important factors related to heart health.

Source

[resurrectedwarrior76]

The Secret Bench of Knowledge

The Secret Bench of Knowledge is a sculpture in the City of Bonita Springs, created by Lea Vivot, a Canadian sculptor. The sculpture sits near the sidewalk on Old 41 across from Riverside Park and in front of the Sheriff’s office and local library in the heart of the city. It initially was in Naples Florida until people complained that it had suggestive imagery, and it was removed. Vivot has created seven of the same benches, and the original is currently in the Wellington Street Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa. The bench is a little boy holding an apple and whispering in a little girl’s ear. In Bonita, you will oftentimes see flowers in the little girl’s hand. The picture of the girl's foot carries the signature of the artist and the commissioned date. The sculpture captures youthful and innocent love that may be experienced on a playground. The sculpture is lifelike and at times, as I have driven by, have taken a double look thinking someone was sitting there. As you can see from the picture, someone put flowers in both the boy’s and the girl’s hands. Today they are wilted, so it is possible that in a few days, someone will replace them. The sculpture has several inscriptions on the bench that are inspirational and things that kids on a playground would have carved. The full round sculpture was the first outdoor artwork placed in the city in 2003 and in 2005 the city purchased the piece. It took much effort led by the mayor’s wife to get the city to agree to purchase it, to save the bench. Having artwork such as the bench, leaves a sense of beauty and love for the city. It shows that the city cares about what it looks like and that they were willing to add character and charm to the outdoor spaces that people call home and wanted people to appreciate the place they reside. Since then, there have been several other sculptures placed in and around the park which add to the allure of the park. The sculptures and openness of the park with its large oaks make it inviting for all. At any given time, you can drive by and see many people sitting on park benches just talking, sitting quietly, or enjoying a meal. Having artwork such as The Secret Bench of Knowledge is integral to the life of our city and places, we call home. 

[rabbitcruiser]

Public Art, Ottawa (No. 15)

This Ottawa Fire Fighters Memorial was unveiled in 2009 after years of campaigning in support of this new piece of public art. The monument was constructed around two bronze figures of firefighters in action, one carrying a child, the other aiming a water hose. Black stone plaques are arranged around the two firefighter figures, with inscriptions commemorating the names of Ottawa firefighters that have fallen in the line of duty. Some of the names date back to the mid-19th century, and the early days of the Ottawa Fire Department. Interestingly, a piece of steel from the World Trade Centre towers is embedded somewhere in this monument, as a sign of solidarity to the men and women of the New York Fire Department that lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Source

[rabbitcruiser]

Public Art, Ottawa (No. 1)

The Secret Bench of Knowledge (formerly Secret Bench, Lost Paradise) is a sculpture created by Canadian artist Lea Vivot and produced in multiple castings.  A prominent one is located at the entrance to the Wellington Street Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa, where it was initially placed in 1989 on the artist's own initiative. One year later Vivot removed it and it was replaced four years later by Eugene Boccia from Toronto. The sculpture was unveiled at about 9 AM on the morning of May 1, 1994 in front of a crowd of about 3000 people. The sculpture has many messages inscribed on it, written by school children, about the importance and pleasure of reading.

Other locations for the sculpture include various cities in Ontario (including Sarnia), as well as Montreal (June 1989) and New York City.

The unveiling of the new statue was done by Vivot, assisted by a young blind boy named Gabriel McBride, from Spruce View, Alberta, who inscribed his message in Braille. 

Source: Wikipedia

When Manuel Báez first visited the small stone-covered plaza on the Ottawa side of the Portage Bridge that links the capital to Gatineau, the Carleton Architecture professor was struck by the panoramic view of the Ottawa River, Victoria Island, the parliamentary precinct, the curves of the Douglas Cardinal-designed Museum of History, and the Confederation Loop trail that connects the waterfronts of the two cities.

“My god, what a spot,” he thought. “In a way, this place is Canada.”

Báez was at the base of the bridge to refine the concept he planned to submit to the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Art in the Capital competition, which called for an artwork with a “dream” theme to be displayed at the site for a year as part of the country’s sesquicentennial celebrations.

When Manuel Báez first visited the small stone-covered plaza on the Ottawa side of the Portage Bridge that links the capital to Gatineau, the Carleton Architecture professor was struck by the panoramic view of the Ottawa River, Victoria Island, the parliamentary precinct, the curves of the Douglas Cardinal-designed Museum of History, and the Confederation Loop trail that connects the waterfronts of the two cities. 

“My god, what a spot,” he thought. “In a way, this place is Canada.”

Báez was at the base of the bridge to refine the concept he planned to submit to the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Art in the Capital competition, which called for an artwork with a “dream” theme to be displayed at the site for a year as part of the country’s sesquicentennial celebrations.

https://newsroom.carleton.ca/story/gather-ring/

[rabbitcruiser]

International Sculpture Day, April 24

International Sculpture Day is celebrated in over 20 countries. Sculptors and admirers come together to enjoy, encourage and show support through a variety of events designed to keep sculpture at the center of the celebration.

Source

International Sculpture Day, or IS Day, is a worldwide annual celebration of sculpture on April 24. It was established by the International Sculpture Center and is meant to raise awareness, appreciation and enjoyment of sculpture in communities across the globe. During the inaugural 2015 IS Day, over 50 events were held in 12 countries including Switzerland, China, Germany, England, Australia, Austria, Canada, Spain, New Zealand, and the USA. In its second year, over 200 events were held in 20+ countries including Australia, Denmark, Poland, Nigeria, Canada, France, Burkina Faso, Bolivia, Croatia and Mexico.

Types of IS Day events include open studios, demonstrations, workshops, public art tours, open museums, brown bag lunches, sculpture scavenger hunts, book signings, foundry pours, pop up exhibitions, opening receptions, competitions, artist talks, and more.

Source

[rabbitcruiser]

National Let’s Hug Day

Hugging has been around for millennia and is practiced by almost all cultures as a way to connect with others without using language. Hugs are given in many scenarios: as a greeting or goodbye, for sympathy or congratulations, for gratitude, support, and affection, and even as a way of making up after a fight. Before two people embrace for one of these reasons, they often say “Let’s hug!” Today is all about coming together, saying “Let’s hug!” and hugging!

There are many reasons why participating in today’s holiday is beneficial. Hugs may release a hormone called oxytocin into the bloodstream. This hormone, produced in the pituitary gland, helps lower blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol. Hugging also reduces anxiety, improves mood and memory, and increases bonding and closeness. Those who hug often tend to have increased empathy for others. In order for hugs to be beneficial, those participating must trust each other and both want to hug. Otherwise, the opposite effect happens, and cortisol levels rise, causing stress. This shows how it is favorable to preface a hug with the words “Let’s hug.”

Let’s Hug Day, also known as National Let’s Hug Day, is observed next on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019. It has always been observed annually on December 3rd.

Celebrate the day by saying “Let’s hug!” and sharing hugs with your partner, family members, and friends!

Source

[rabbitcruiser]

Dress in Blue Day

The idea for ‘Dress in Blue Day’ was originally come up with by Anita Mitchell, a stage IV colon cancer survivor who had lost a close friend and her own father to the disease. Greatly saddened by the fact that both of those tragedies could have been prevented, Ms. Mitchell saw a need to bring greater awareness to cancer that not many people wanted to discuss.

So, in 2006, she worked with her children’s school to coordinate a recognition day. That very year in March, students who normally had to wear uniforms to class were allowed to wear a blue outfit of their choice, if only they made a $1 donation to colon cancer awareness.

There have been some hopes to turn all of March, and not just the first Friday of the month, blue by promoting colon cancer awareness all month long, much like National Breat Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October.

History of Blue Dress Day

Anita then brought the ‘Dress in Blue Day’ concept to the Colon Cancer Alliance. ‘Dress in Blue Day’ was first launched in 2009 by the Colon Cancer Alliance in a massive nationwide campaign. It was introduced to raise awareness of colon cancer as well as to recognise the bravery of those suffering from the disease, and the now nationally-recognized blue star was chosen to symbolize both the memory of loved ones lost to colon cancer and the perspective of a better future without the disease.

With its actions, the Colon Cancer Alliance hopes to  encourage people to become more interested in the potentially fatal threat that is colon cancer, by for example getting screened regularly in hopes of being able to detect any warning signs before the situation becomes much more serious.

Diagnosis of cases of colorectal cancer through screening tends to occur 2-3 years before diagnosis of cases with symptoms, and thus screening has the potential to reduce colon cancer deaths by 60%. It has been found, in fact, that most colorectal cancers should be preventable altogether, through increased surveillance and lifestyle changes, such as simple diet changes or an increase in the amount of physical activity an individual does, which makes prevention a truly important aspect.

Carmen Marc Valvo, an American fashion designer, partnered with the Colon Cancer Alliance in 2011 to promote Dress in Blue Day after hew own personal struggle with the cancer.

How to celebrate blue dress day

Individuals, companies and neighbourhood groups celebrate ‘Dress in Blue Day’ by wearing blue and encouraging their friends, family and colleagues to do the same. There are many different ways this can be used to raise money.  Proceeds raised through ‘Dress in Blue Day’ are used to fund important research and prevention programs, as well as to provide support to patients.

As one example, businesses can allow their employees to wear jeans and a blue t-shirt instead of their usual uniforms, in return for a small fee. Some people both raise awareness and show support for friends or family members who have suffered or are suffering from colon cancer by wearing a shirt that says simply, “I’m blue for my son” or, “I’m blue for Sarah”.

An individual can also collect sponsorship from their friends and family in return for dressing head to toe in blue for a day – including clothing, shoes, make up and even hair dye! This money is then of course donated to the Colon Cancer Alliance, and used both to help survivors of colon cancer as well as do more research into possible ways to hopefully one day cure it completely.

Source