Fishing along Lake Ontario probably figured into the lives of Toronto residents dozens of years ago, with its abundant 45 kilometres of shoreline. Today there are high-rise condominiums along most of that shoreline, and not so much fishing.

In amongst those buildings I discovered an ode to those fishing days of yore at Canoe Landing Park with public sculptures of a beached canoe, fishing bobbers and a beaver dam. On the day I visited, there were children and dogs happily running around the fishing bobber sculptures, humorously situated on a water-fountain splash pad. Many people who have lived in this area have told me that this park is such a godsend space for condo dwellers. No doubt! I so admire urban architects and planners who design these spaces.

Then there is that view towards downtown! Rising in the background, almost like another bobber, is the CN Tower. At a glance, it’s hard to distinguish the tower from the other colourful sculptures. I’d like to think the placement of this splash pad and its bobbers was a deliberate choice by designers.

I took several pictures at Canoe Landing Park for future painting subjects, and here’s the first painting showcasing that optical illusion – what’s a bobber and what isn’t. I have exhibited this painting at a few shows this spring in Toronto, and I’ve been asked several times “What city is this?”. When I answer “Toronto”, the viewers take a second closer look and start to laugh when they realize they had missed the Tower completely!

#156 – Toronto Bobbers

2.5″ x 3.5″ ink and watercolour

(Original sold)