What is an icon? It is a representative symbol, worthy of veneration. In my series “Ward Icons” I honour the modest, practical buildings in the Guelph Ward. There’s what I call the “Flat Iron Building”, the quirky triangular home on the corner of Manitoba and Ontario streets, “Bradburn’s Garage” (currently the Double Rainbow Café and Sugo Market), and the old Valeriote’s Shoe Repair on Alice Street. They have a simple childlike quality, reminiscent of vintage architectural or children’s building sets.
This series began during the pandemic when we would walk ghostlike through the Ward, day after day, becoming very familiar with the eclectic architecture. Anybody who has travelled through The Ward, lived here or spent many years growing up in one of these buildings, has a different feeling about each of them. Some are mysterious, others are cheerful, each one telling a story. A fellow artist and a former Guelph resident, Lisa Graziotto was inspired to comment on this collection which has brought back warm memories for her. “There has never been a day when I have not fondly remembered my childhood in The Ward. The school, the river and the buildings in some way. It was an adventure”.
*Original paintings are sold out but this collection is still available as limited edition prints.
Flat Iron Building
6” x 6”
Print Mounted on Birch Board
Alice Street Clubhouse ( formerly Valeriote’s Shoe Repair shop)
6” x 6”
Print Mounted on Birch Board
Ontario Street Walkup
6” x 6”
Print Mounted on Birch Board
Elizabeth Street Heritage
6” x 6”
Print Mounted on Birch Board
Richardson Street Victorian
6” x 6”
Print Mounted on Birch Board
Bradburn’s Garage
6” x 6”
Print Mounted on Birch Board
Palace on Alice
6” x 6”
Print Mounted on Birch Board