Peace (2021)
IMAGES: Arsan Buffin
This artwork honours peace — a universal concept that speaks to friendship, harmony, and freedom from violence. The depictions etched on the five aluminum-steel, laser-cut and patinaed panels reflect the idea of peace, as represented through animal metaphors relating to the military and the natural world around us. The human symbolizes and honours the fallen military members who rest in this place, while the moon speaks to our emotional being, which connects us to the chaos and the calm within. Together, the five panels create PEACE, a northern landscape that reflects the natural world, the animals that both protect and create wonder in us, the energetic night skies, and a connection to the spirits of our loved ones.
Though Stimson’s interpretation of PEACE holds great meaning for him, he’s hopeful that others will find their own connections to it: “I’m always a believer in creating work and know there are a number of things that the process does for me, be it healing or whatnot. But I also hope that the viewer will go to it on their own, without knowing anything about it, and something within it will trigger something within them—something they needed—a sense of peace, but also wonder—that space of contemplation, and memory, and time.
More info on City of Edmonton Public Art Collection website.
