Icon North 2010

Ivan Eyre’s sculpture, Icon North, is a bronze figure seated on a rectangular base. You know, when I look at this sculpture, I think about form and shape. It's like Eyre is playing with geometry and volume. The figure has this sort of monumental quality, like an ancient statue. It seems sturdy and strong, but at the same time, there's a sense of vulnerability. I wonder if Eyre was thinking about cultural symbols or maybe even personal stories when he made it. The patina of the bronze has a beautiful depth; the texture of the metal is smooth in some parts, rough in others. There's so much detail, from the shape of the head to the way the figure is seated. It’s interesting how Eyre uses the material to communicate feeling. The sculpture invites you to consider its meaning, but it doesn't give you all the answers. I guess that is how artists talk to each other – by asking questions!