Voyageur Canoe Ralph Ireland

Ralph Ireland
Voyageur Canoe, 2002-03
Basswood, 153 x 750 x 80 centimetres

This 2,000-pound relief, with its carved crew of twelve, is a life-sized replica of the massive canoes that sailed the waters of Canada over two centuries ago, helping the young nation's vital fur trade to flourish. The opportunity to recreate a piece of our heritage with this piece is very dear to the sculptor, who laments, "Canada has got a great, great history, and we forgot it."