Candle Ice Two
'Candle Ice Two' (Installation Day 2) by Shane Wilson
September 26, 2012
'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson, in situ at the new Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, with the hotel lounge, 'd | bar', in the background.
'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson, in situ at the new Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson, looking across at the lounge and the ceramic and metal wall sculpture 'Forest' by Alissa Coe.
Jamie Stagnitta assures the glass case is perfectly cleaned.
Jamie Stagnitta oversees the placement of the heavy glass case onto the plinth. The installers are careful to avoid the tips of the sculpture while insetting the glass evenly into the prepared channel.
The carved moose antler sculpture 'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson is permanently installed on the plinth, prior to the addition of the glass case.
The acrylic supports and antler in place.
The acrylic posts are inserted into the plinth and an adhesive silicone is applied which forms a flexible, non-destructive connection with the antler. The smaller acrylic post will serve as a support, is fitted with non-slip rubber and rests on the surface of the plinth. The use of a flexible adhesive and an adjustable support will prevent cracking which might otherwise occur with screws as the antler 'moves' over time with changes in humidity.
Following the removal of the protective blue shrink wrap, a sticky residue remained on the surface that resisted attempts at removal. Forte Fixtures sent someone to remove the residue this morning. The plinth is now ready for the installation of the sculpture 'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson.
'Candle Ice Two' (Installation Day 1) by Shane Wilson
September 24, 2012
Day One at the Four Seasons saw the arrival and installation of the plinth, purposed for 'Candle Ice Two'. It was a day of great activity at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto as furniture, art, hardware, appliances, cabinetry and all the elements of a great hotel arrived to take their place among this spectacular virgin space.
(images descending latest to earliest)
Jason Wilson paints the inside of the support post holes grey, to mitigate an optical effect created by the acrylic posts. The clear acrylic post reflects any colour from the area surrounding its base up to its top. The grey colour blends with the colour of the antler and makes the connection point between post and antler seamless. Once the paint has dried overnight, the pillars can be inserted and the sculpture affixed.
(Shane Wilson and Alissa Coe, photo by Jason Wilson)
Alissa Coe takes a break during the installation of her ceramic and metal 'Forest' sculpture on the wall of the lounge adjacent to 'Candle Ice Two' to check out the two carved antlers resting provisionally on their plinth for the first time. Alissa is also the creator of the spectacular ceramic and walnut 'Dandelion' sculpture featured in the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto reception area.
(Shane Wilson, photo by Jason Wilson)
The metal sheeting did not align with the wood substructure of the plinth so a little grinding work was necessary, for which I made use of the ubiquitous Dremel sanding drum.
(photo by Jason Wilson)
A dramatic moment as the beautiful brushed and patinated steel surface of the plinth created by Forte Fixtures is revealed.
(photo by Jason Wilson)
The unwrapping of the plinth begins!
(James Robertson, Davide Rupiani, Shane Wilson, Jamie Stagnitta and Laura Wood, photo by Jason Wilson)
The 'Candle Ice Two' plinth is lowered gently onto the stone-topped landing at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. The lounge, called 'd | bar', can be seen at the top of the image. 'Candle Ice Two' can be seen waiting on a nearby table.
The 'Candle Ice Two' plinth, massively weighted, is moved carefully onto the landing at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
The display case and plinth, manufactured by Forte Fixtures, arrive at Four Seasons Toronto Hotel.
(James Robertson, Laura Wood, Davide Rupiani, Jamie Stagnitta - James Robertson Art Consultants)
The team from James Robertson Art Consultants oversee the installation of the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto permanent art collection they curated.
(George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg - YabuPushelberg)
George and Glenn of YabuPushelberg drop by to inspect the progress of final interior design touches nearing completion in the soon to be opened Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
The location, on the landing at the base of the magnificent floating stone staircase in the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, where the carved, double moose antler sculpture by Shane Wilson, Candle Ice Two will be installed.
(images descending latest to earliest)
Jason Wilson paints the inside of the support post holes grey, to mitigate an optical effect created by the acrylic posts. The clear acrylic post reflects any colour from the area surrounding its base up to its top. The grey colour blends with the colour of the antler and makes the connection point between post and antler seamless. Once the paint has dried overnight, the pillars can be inserted and the sculpture affixed.
(Shane Wilson and Alissa Coe, photo by Jason Wilson)
Alissa Coe takes a break during the installation of her ceramic and metal 'Forest' sculpture on the wall of the lounge adjacent to 'Candle Ice Two' to check out the two carved antlers resting provisionally on their plinth for the first time. Alissa is also the creator of the spectacular ceramic and walnut 'Dandelion' sculpture featured in the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto reception area.
(Shane Wilson, photo by Jason Wilson)
The metal sheeting did not align with the wood substructure of the plinth so a little grinding work was necessary, for which I made use of the ubiquitous Dremel sanding drum.
(photo by Jason Wilson)
A dramatic moment as the beautiful brushed and patinated steel surface of the plinth created by Forte Fixtures is revealed.
(photo by Jason Wilson)
The unwrapping of the plinth begins!
(James Robertson, Davide Rupiani, Shane Wilson, Jamie Stagnitta and Laura Wood, photo by Jason Wilson)
The 'Candle Ice Two' plinth is lowered gently onto the stone-topped landing at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. The lounge, called 'd | bar', can be seen at the top of the image. 'Candle Ice Two' can be seen waiting on a nearby table.
The 'Candle Ice Two' plinth, massively weighted, is moved carefully onto the landing at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
The display case and plinth, manufactured by Forte Fixtures, arrive at Four Seasons Toronto Hotel.
(James Robertson, Laura Wood, Davide Rupiani, Jamie Stagnitta - James Robertson Art Consultants)
The team from James Robertson Art Consultants oversee the installation of the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto permanent art collection they curated.
(George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg - YabuPushelberg)
George and Glenn of YabuPushelberg drop by to inspect the progress of final interior design touches nearing completion in the soon to be opened Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
The location, on the landing at the base of the magnificent floating stone staircase in the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, where the carved, double moose antler sculpture by Shane Wilson, Candle Ice Two will be installed.
'Candle Ice Two' (Shipped) by Shane Wilson
September 21, 2012
After photographing 'Candle Ice Two' at Gary Wildman Photography in North Vancouver, the two carved moose antlers were carefully wrapped in bubble and cellophane, packed in a plywood shipping crate at the Packaging Depot, also located in North Vancouver, where shipping was arranged via Purolator to Toronto.
I followed a week later, in order to install the sculpture in its permanent home at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
A duo of two piece sculptures: 'Candle Ice Two' with 'Seahorses', both moose antler sculptures by Shane WIlson
The two carved moose antlers make the cross-country journey from Vancouver to Toronto, unscathed!
(photo by Jason Wilson)
'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson is unpacked from its shipping crate.
(photo by Jason Wilson)
'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson arrives in Toronto!
I followed a week later, in order to install the sculpture in its permanent home at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
A duo of two piece sculptures: 'Candle Ice Two' with 'Seahorses', both moose antler sculptures by Shane WIlson
The two carved moose antlers make the cross-country journey from Vancouver to Toronto, unscathed!
(photo by Jason Wilson)
'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson is unpacked from its shipping crate.
(photo by Jason Wilson)
'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson arrives in Toronto!
'Candle Ice Two' (Finished) by Shane Wilson
September 15, 2012
LINK: Gallery Images
The sculpture was photographed on a grey background, supported by the acrylic posts attached through the paper into the mock-up base. Once the sculpture is shipped to Toronto, it will be installed on the custom manufactured plinth using the same acrylic posts.
'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson (carved moose antler sculpture)
'Candle Ice Two' (left antler) by Shane Wilson (carved moose antler sculpture)
'Candle Ice Two' (right antler) by Shane Wilson (carved moose antler sculpture)
'Candle Ice Two' (back view) by Shane Wilson (carved moose antler sculpture)
The sculpture was photographed on a grey background, supported by the acrylic posts attached through the paper into the mock-up base. Once the sculpture is shipped to Toronto, it will be installed on the custom manufactured plinth using the same acrylic posts.
'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson (carved moose antler sculpture)
'Candle Ice Two' (left antler) by Shane Wilson (carved moose antler sculpture)
'Candle Ice Two' (right antler) by Shane Wilson (carved moose antler sculpture)
'Candle Ice Two' (back view) by Shane Wilson (carved moose antler sculpture)
'Candle Ice Two' (Phase 13) by Shane Wilson
September 13, 2012
In this phase, the final carving and sanding was completed and the satin acrylic applied. Now dry, it is time to professionally photograph the sculpture and then ship it to Toronto for installation in the lobby of the new Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, located in the Yorkville district.
'Candle Ice Two' (Right Antler - Phase 12) by Shane Wilson
August 27, 2012
Although this work on the back of the antler was not part of the original commission, I have added it to enhance the effect, since the plinth will enable viewers to walk completely around the sculpture.
Again, the images are from the most recent version to the earliest.
The refining process to come will involve a careful working of the lines from the front and back at the same time, in order to avoid creating lines on one side that are not consistent with the lines on the other.
Again, the images are from the most recent version to the earliest.
The refining process to come will involve a careful working of the lines from the front and back at the same time, in order to avoid creating lines on one side that are not consistent with the lines on the other.
'Candle Ice Two' (Right Antler - Phase 11) by Shane Wilson
June 19, 2012
The portion of the antler that joins the skull is called the 'seal' and the bumpy ridge around the perimeter of this area is called the 'coronet'. Each year the adult bull moose sheds his antlers when the seal deteriorates and separates from the skull. Generally this leaves a uniform curved, raised surface on the seal (as was the case with the left antler).
In this case, the seal was formed unevenly, with a large indentation or groove bisecting the surface (A). My initial design response to this anomaly was to create a kind of inverse palette and tongue shape on the seal and accentuate the facets of the coronet (B). However, this didn't seem to work with the overall sharply angled pattern when both antlers were viewed together. I found this element distracting.
What it seemed to need was an angular feel, to tie into the angles in the main portion of the antler, across the rounded hub section (C). At the same time, I minimized the coronet facets to round out the feel along the end of the antler, to establish some consistency with the left antler's coronet's rounded shape (D).
D. Coronet and seal, final detail.
C. Adding angled elements and minimizing coronet facets.
B. First attempt at a design solution.
A. Initial shape of the coronet and seal with groove.
In this case, the seal was formed unevenly, with a large indentation or groove bisecting the surface (A). My initial design response to this anomaly was to create a kind of inverse palette and tongue shape on the seal and accentuate the facets of the coronet (B). However, this didn't seem to work with the overall sharply angled pattern when both antlers were viewed together. I found this element distracting.
What it seemed to need was an angular feel, to tie into the angles in the main portion of the antler, across the rounded hub section (C). At the same time, I minimized the coronet facets to round out the feel along the end of the antler, to establish some consistency with the left antler's coronet's rounded shape (D).
D. Coronet and seal, final detail.
C. Adding angled elements and minimizing coronet facets.
B. First attempt at a design solution.
A. Initial shape of the coronet and seal with groove.
'Candle Ice Two' (fabrication of acrylic support posts)
June 14, 2012
Tom McCaw, Industrial Plastics and Paints in Nanaimo, British Columbia, fabricated the acrylic support columns for Candle Ice Two. (Kelly Saunders, Tom's coworker in the fabrication shop, aided with sound observation and advice.)
Tom has created an elegant, unobtrusive support for the antlers which will be installed into the plinth currently being manufactured by Forte Fixtures in Toronto, Ontario.
Tom McCaw with 'Candle Ice' Two by Shane Wilson.
Acrylic supports for 'Candle Ice Two' fabricated by Tom McCaw.
Tom McCaw fits the final acrylic support for 'Candle Ice Two'.
Acrylic supports ready to receive 'Candle Ice Two'.
Tom McCaw positions the right antler of 'Candle Ice Two'.
Tom McCaw checks the fit of the left antler of 'Candle Ice Two' on its acrylic support.
Tom McCaw drills a 1 1/4" hole to receive the first acrylic supporting post for 'Candle Ice Two'.
Tom has created an elegant, unobtrusive support for the antlers which will be installed into the plinth currently being manufactured by Forte Fixtures in Toronto, Ontario.
Tom McCaw with 'Candle Ice' Two by Shane Wilson.
Acrylic supports for 'Candle Ice Two' fabricated by Tom McCaw.
Tom McCaw fits the final acrylic support for 'Candle Ice Two'.
Acrylic supports ready to receive 'Candle Ice Two'.
Tom McCaw positions the right antler of 'Candle Ice Two'.
Tom McCaw checks the fit of the left antler of 'Candle Ice Two' on its acrylic support.
Tom McCaw drills a 1 1/4" hole to receive the first acrylic supporting post for 'Candle Ice Two'.
'Candle Ice Two' (Right Antler - Phase 10) by Shane Wilson
June 13, 2012
The front side of the right antler of 'Candle Ice Two' has been carved and refined in a preliminary fashion. Once the back side is carved, I'll return again to the front for a final refining pass.
'Candle Ice Two' (Left Antler Finished) by Shane Wilson
April 30, 2012
Though the lighting is poor, the left antler has been completed. Here it is on its own, front and back and oriented beside the right antler, prior to carving.
'Candle Ice Two' (Left Antler - Phase 9) by Shane Wilson
April 30, 2012
Carving on the left moose antler is finished, front and back worked to a complementary state of completion. I have applied a coating of satin lacquer to seal and protect the antler.
'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson (front view)
'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson (rear view)
'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson (front view)
'Candle Ice Two' by Shane Wilson (rear view)
'Candle Ice Two' (Plinth Design and Four Seasons Hotel exterior)
April 16, 2012
This is the schematic for the plinth, complements of James Robertson Art Consultants and Yabu Pushelberg. The sculpture will sit, offset, on a gorgeous metal base and be protected by an elegant glass case.
During my visit to Toronto today, I stopped by the construction site of the new Four Seasons Hotel. Here is the hotel as it looks from a couple of blocks over, the shell almost complete.
This is the Bay Street entrance (left) and lobby wall, behind which 'Candle Ice Two' will be located.
'Candle Ice Two' (Left Antler - Phase 8) by Shane Wilson
April 12, 2012
Time to give some thought to the support for the sculpture and the means by which it will be attached to the plinth. It is difficult to make this determination prior to the completion of the bulk of the carving, since the balance points will change as material is removed.
It turns out that this antler balances quite well with a little pressure on the outlying tine, seen here held with the black Veritas bench clamp. It should be possible to add a fastening element at this point to join antler to plinth.
It may also be prudent to add a supporting element to the back of the sculpture, where I have placed the brass post in the third image. This will take some of the weight of the sculpture and make the installation a little more secure.
It turns out that this antler balances quite well with a little pressure on the outlying tine, seen here held with the black Veritas bench clamp. It should be possible to add a fastening element at this point to join antler to plinth.
It may also be prudent to add a supporting element to the back of the sculpture, where I have placed the brass post in the third image. This will take some of the weight of the sculpture and make the installation a little more secure.
'Candle Ice Two' (Left Antler - Phase 7) by Shane Wilson
April 11, 2012
I have decided to preserve the cool curvy shapes around the base of the antler, while working an angular pattern into the butt as an embellishment that will tie the overall abstract triangular pattern together around the smooth curved hub.
'Candle Ice Two' (Left Antler - Phase 6) by Shane Wilson
April 09, 2012
Although this work on the back of the antler was not part of the original commission, I have added it to enhance the effect, since the plinth will enable viewers to walk completely around the sculpture.
Again, the images are from the most recent version to the earliest.
The refining process to come will involve a careful working of the lines from the front and back at the same time, in order to avoid creating lines on one side that are not consistent with the lines on the other.
Again, the images are from the most recent version to the earliest.
The refining process to come will involve a careful working of the lines from the front and back at the same time, in order to avoid creating lines on one side that are not consistent with the lines on the other.
'Candle Ice Two' (Left Antler - Phase 5) by Shane Wilson
April 06, 2012
The following images (latest to earliest as you scroll down) indicate the stages of the roughing out process on the front face of the left moose antler of the pair that make up this sculpture.
There is still quite a bit of refining of the lines yet to be done, but I will move on to the reverse of the antler to create a shallow relief version which will mirror the front. This will serve to heighten the illusion that the sculpture is made of individual shards of candle ice.
There is still quite a bit of refining of the lines yet to be done, but I will move on to the reverse of the antler to create a shallow relief version which will mirror the front. This will serve to heighten the illusion that the sculpture is made of individual shards of candle ice.
'Candle Ice Two' (Phase 4) by Shane Wilson
March 05, 2012
Using a drill press with the gold, colbalt bits, one or more pilot holes were created in each of the negative spaces, previously marked out in orange pencil crayon.
Then using the sabre/jig saw with a 1/4" blade, most of the negative spaces were roughed out. The remaining negative spaces were too small for the blade or in a position difficult for the saw to access.
These spaces will be created during the carving process.
Then using the sabre/jig saw with a 1/4" blade, most of the negative spaces were roughed out. The remaining negative spaces were too small for the blade or in a position difficult for the saw to access.
These spaces will be created during the carving process.
'Candle Ice Two' (Phase 3) by Shane Wilson
March 02, 2012
A band saw is a wonderful thing, especially a good one that is able to hold a straight line. However, it is limited in application to the outer edges of the carving.
In this phase, I have also coloured the negative spaces in orange prior to drilling pilot holes and rough cutting them out with a sabre saw/jig saw.
(Steel City 14" Band Saw with 3/8" blade)
In this phase, I have also coloured the negative spaces in orange prior to drilling pilot holes and rough cutting them out with a sabre saw/jig saw.
(Steel City 14" Band Saw with 3/8" blade)
'Candle Ice Two' (Redesign) by Shane Wilson
February 25, 2012
The original design has been modified to more closely reflect the original 'Candle Ice' sculpture, upon which the commission was based, featuring its straight, angular lines intended to contrast elegantly with the other art pieces chosen for the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto lobby.
'Candle Ice Two' (Phase 2) by Shane Wilson
February 22, 2012
The design is complete. It combines an assortment of elongated curved shapes, representing the heat of the sun, with thin rectangular shapes, representing candle ice which has shattered and fallen away from the main sheet of ice, represented by the solid portion around the base of the antler. This portion is also pierced by the heat of the sun, showing the curved heat pattern as a negative space.
The shape of the tines will be preserved as stretched drops of rain, kryptonite to candle ice.
The offset arced elements tie the two antlers together compositionally and also represent the phalanx-like characteristic of candle ice in its immediate pre-shattered state.
Dimensions of the combined antler sculpture - 116 cm wide x 72 cm high x 51 cm deep.
The shape of the tines will be preserved as stretched drops of rain, kryptonite to candle ice.
The offset arced elements tie the two antlers together compositionally and also represent the phalanx-like characteristic of candle ice in its immediate pre-shattered state.
Dimensions of the combined antler sculpture - 116 cm wide x 72 cm high x 51 cm deep.
'Candle Ice Two' (Phase 1) by Shane Wilson
February 15, 2012
The antlers have been 'skinned' and prepared to receive the design, which will be created directly on the surface of the antlers. Skinning the antlers is effected by lightly sanding the surface with an angle grinder and sanding disks.
I have used a variety of angle grinders over the years and have found the Walter 4.5" slip-clutch grinder to be a superior tool. It operates very smoothly, with no wrenching action on start-up, and disk changes are a breeze.
I have used a variety of angle grinders over the years and have found the Walter 4.5" slip-clutch grinder to be a superior tool. It operates very smoothly, with no wrenching action on start-up, and disk changes are a breeze.
'Candle Ice Two' (Begin) by Shane Wilson
February 13, 2012
I have been commissioned by James Robertson Art Consultants to create an abstract sculpture from two moose antlers for the lobby of the brand new Four Seasons Hotel and ResidencesToronto. (For a look at an artist's conception of the hotel and a lobby floor plan, click here.)
What a spectacular honour to be a part of this stellar Canadian art collection curated by the James Robertson group for the hotel's design team of Yabu Pushelberg.
The concept for the commission is abstract in nature, with 'Candle Ice' as a reference, to be realized on two moose antlers, positioned together and flush-mounted on a bronze plinth.
A variety of moose antlers were presented as options, of which the following pair were chosen for the sculpture.
What a spectacular honour to be a part of this stellar Canadian art collection curated by the James Robertson group for the hotel's design team of Yabu Pushelberg.
The concept for the commission is abstract in nature, with 'Candle Ice' as a reference, to be realized on two moose antlers, positioned together and flush-mounted on a bronze plinth.
A variety of moose antlers were presented as options, of which the following pair were chosen for the sculpture.