Art walks

Unveiled on December 16th, 1998 , this three-column steel sculpture, Search Light, Star Light, Spot Light, is inspired by a quote from author Louis Untermeyer, (1885-1977): “God, if you wish for our love, Fling us a handful of stars”.

The surface of each column has been extensively perforated with holes in the shape of five-pointed stars that glow when lit from within like celestial search beacons in the night. The effect is most immediately associated with the search beams that call attention to entertainment spectacles such as those that take place in the adjacent Scotiabank Centre. Further, the telescopic shape of the columns and the starry lights suggest a connection between the earth and sky; between the infinite cosmos and the depth of the human imagination.

John McEwen was born in Toronto in 1945. He currently lives and works in Hillsdale, Ontario. Co-founder and former director of A Space, John McEwen was honored in 2007 with a Doctorate of Fines Arts from The University of Lethbridge. He is recognized both internationally and across Canada for his many site-specific installations and public commissions. McEwen is best known for his use of stars as sculptural elements as well as naturalistic images including flame cut from massive metal slabs. For McEwen, the dog/wolf image becomes an object-sign that reveals the close inter-connection between nature and culture. His works are often informed by poetic and art historical sources as well as drawing upon the rich history of the Canadian landscape.