Live the Photo: Inukshuk on the Ottawa River
Background
The Inukshuk - representing Northern Hospitality and friendship – can be any configuration of natural stone, generally balanced on each other. The Inuit used the monuments, built in the likeness of a human, as a means of survival and communication. Often used for navigation, they may also used as a marker or memorial for a beloved person. The Inukshuks are built by whatever stones are at hand – the arrangement of the stones significant for navigation, or if made without arms, as a marker for a cache of food. The Inukshuk represents the Inuit and is a symbol of their homeland. It also became a well known symbol of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
The Inukshuks on the Ottawa River, the “Art of Balance”, is an original artistic project of John Ceprano. Looking for something that inspired him, John has been building these sculptures since 1986, and they have become known around the world. It has become a place of significance for many, a meeting place and inspiration for the many photographers and painters who set up along the shoreline every summer. His sculptures are naturally dismantled by the rising and freezing of the river every winter. No tools are used to create his monuments – everything is perfectly balanced naturally.
Getting There
From Ottawa, take the Ottawa River Parkway heading West. Parking is at Remic Rapids. You can also walk, bike or rollerblade from downtown, following the scenic bike path along the Ottawa River. From Gatineau, cross the Champlain Bridge, heading East on the Ottawa River Parkway, turn left to turn into parking at Remic Rapids.
Links and Info
Ceprano Rock Arts article, published in the Ottawa Citizen November 15, 2011
AnitaMacPhotos – more photos from my outing to see the Inukshuks.
These would be a pleasure to photograph; thanks for sharing them with us!!
Posted by Steve | January 19, 2012, 10:06 amthanks Steve
Posted by Anita Mac | January 20, 2012, 11:37 pmWhen we hike sometimes there is a stack of rocks that someone started and sometimes I will find one and add to it. Loving the post – Thanks for sharing!
Posted by cravesadventure | January 19, 2012, 12:15 pmI find people build inukshuks all over now! Did some kayaking in the summer and found some nice ones out on the islands. May build one in my flower garden for next summer!
Posted by Anita Mac | January 20, 2012, 11:38 pmOttawa is my favourite city. I have done several half-marathon walks there because it is such a beautiful place, you forget you’re working hard. These photos are wonderful and show another (quirky) side to this great city.
Posted by Paula Turner | January 19, 2012, 8:33 pmOttawa is gorgeous – I am so lucky! That is awesome that you have done some of the half marathon walks. We have some brilliant routes! I have volunteered at the Fall Colours run before – but last year was the first time I watch the Army Run – quite the event! http://www.traveldestinationbucketlist.com/2011/09/18/army-run-ottawa/
Posted by Anita Mac | January 20, 2012, 11:35 pmI had to stare it for long time – I love it.
Happy week-end!
Posted by Sartenada | January 20, 2012, 10:15 amIt is a very interesting body of work – the various statues all so unique. It is no wonder so many people go there to photograph and paint!
Posted by Anita Mac | January 20, 2012, 11:36 pmThis sculpture is so interesting! Thanks for sharing. I love art in nature.
Posted by BalanceDeb | January 24, 2012, 9:41 amGlad you enjoyed. Such an interesting art display – quite enjoy checking it out!
Posted by Anita Mac | August 17, 2012, 5:10 pmGreat work – again!
Posted by The Hook | January 25, 2012, 12:01 pmHi there. Love the blog. As an Aussie in Ottawa you have great info here.
By the way, the link to the Ottawa Citizen article isn’t working above. I have a post on the same rock art on my blog – http://wp.me/p27qLp-W
Posted by nicolegodwin | April 25, 2012, 5:14 pm