The designer of a new piece of public art on the University of Windsor campus says she hopes the metal sculpture of a turtle resting in a human hand will help people recognize the connections between nature and all living beings. Teresa Altiman of Walpole Island First Nation is the artist behind the 2.6-metre tall sculpture, which greets students, staff and visitors north of Lambton Tower just off Turtle Island Walk.
"I'm hoping that they just see the hand and the turtle and that there is a connection between us as human beings and the animal world," Altiman told CBC, "that that turtle is part of the earth. We're all part of the Earth. We're all connected.
" The university installed the sculpture on Sept. 6 and will host a ceremony and flag raising there on Sept. 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
That's when Altiman will see the finished product face to face for the first time, she said. The turtle is holding a feather with the sacred colours of black, red, yellow and white on it, the University said. (Peter Duck/CBC) "I think I'm just going to be overwhelmed," said the artist, who previously designed art for the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
"I think — I know — it's going to be beautiful." Altiman has already seen a photo, and it was spectacular, she added. Sculptor Zeke Moores, a sessional instructor in the School of Creative Arts, was the person who turned Altiman's design into a three-dimensional work of art.
His job was to produce the sculpture.