WebStamp May 30, 2018
Public Art Balancing Act
Not far from Roy Leadbeater’s sculpture “JOY” we can find another public art project from the renowned Canadian Artist. Balancing Act is a playful welded utilitarian sculpture in bright primary colours that can be found along Macleod Trail at the south end of the Calgary Municipal Building in front of the Triangle Gallery. This welded 12-foot high steel sculpture arrived in Calgary in 1989 and was refurbished by local artist Sam Longbotham and together with Roy unveiled again in 2010.
There is a creation of an upward motion that counters the gravity-defying balancing act of an abstract industrial tree with its red trunk perched precariously on a single tapered point. Topped with a horizontal beam with branches of yellow and green steel with a satellite like dish representing foliage sprouting towards the sun.
Roy Leadbeater was an orphan who moved to Canada in 1953 after an adventure filled life sailing as a merchant marine around the world. While living in the orphanage Roy discovered at the age of 14 his passion for art. After getting a job in Calgary in 1957 he reconnected with his art hobby and spent time working with clay at the Calgary Allied Art Centre. He was delighted when Dominion Bridge allowed him later to come to the factory after hours giving him space for a workshop working with steel.
There are several more sculptures of Roy’s in Calgary and we will explore them in future public art articles. Be sure to enjoy and explore all the things Calgary has to offer, including its art. Go and explore it for yourself, and while you are at it, explore the unique neighbourhood the public art is located in. Let us know which ones you enjoy, or dislike, we are interested in your opinion.
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