At Port Huron, Kevin completed his first big public commission which asked him to create an ode to the Natives from the area. After a deep query into the local native tribes, he came to understand the Wyandots, later called Hurons by the French, were the ones who populated the area. As a water town, displaying the tribe's early engagement with the resource in the form of canoeing seemed most historical, alongside an eagle depicted above the canoers on the rock, as if it was flying above them. The blue water eagle’s wingspan covers the width of the rock, reminding the viewer how impressive a bird like that can be, the details of its feathers carved into the stone forever. The rock overlooks the sea and memorializes the origin story of the area.
The St. Claire County Community Foundation commissioned this piece along the Blue Water River Walk in Port Huron Michigan, where the water was seriously blue. They wanted it to be in the honor of the surrounding Native American groups, which I had mixed feelings about being the one to do.
Photo date: 2015-10-19 11:52:00
Note: I spent a lot of time trying to discuss with the Chiefs of the surrounding nations, but they we're difficult to get a response from. There were levels of respect and a chain of command that was unlike anything I had experienced.
Photo taken on 2015-10-19 11:51:00
Site Index Page
Note: I wanted to fulfill the demands of the commission while also being respectful.
Photo taken on 2015-10-19 11:45:00
Site Index Page
Note: I came across this photo of two people on a canoe and decided this was the best way forward.
Photo taken on 2015-10-19 11:41:00
Site Index Page
Note: The Eagle's wingspan stretched the entire length of the boulder
Photo taken on 2015-10-16 14:44:00
Site Index Page
Note: The Eagle seemed like a way to bridge the gap of not being appropriative while also trying to create something to represent the natives close to the land, as the commission called for.
Photo taken on 2015-10-16 13:22:00
Site Index Page
Note: The Eagle felt successful at it's completion
Photo taken on 2015-10-16 12:30:00
Site Index Page