Life is a series of passages some significant and others not even noticed until many years later when an image like this appears and memories come back.
This Duck Boat slide was built in 1972 by Russell Yurisity and had its home along the Saskatchewan River near the Mendel Art Gallery (now the Wonderhub). My husband recently found the reference images I used for this piece in his collection of black and white negatives from the late 1970’s and it has sparked many memories of life’s passages since then.
Most children love the effort of climbing, the anticipation of exploring and the thrill of zipping down the slide. For others the anticipation is scary and they take a more cautions approach. The passages of life continue to follow a similar path as we grow in our awareness and understanding, making choices as we go. Like the slide those choices can be exhilarating, terrifying or anywhere in between.
The passages can be of our own making, or imposed upon us by life. Many are full of joy and happiness, others are full of challenges, grief or frustration. Together these passages all helped us grow into who we are today.
Artists' Workshop Saskatoon 