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Taking a look at the Humber River rock balancing act

Posted by Guest Contributor / August 4, 2010

humber river rock sculpturesToronto media was abuzz on Monday and Tuesday following the appearance of mysterious rock sculptures in the Humber River near Old Mill Road. Although it's not the first taste the city's got of rock balancing -- there's a duo who practices the art form near Kew Beach -- the location of the sculptures had many intrigued and curious as to their provenance.

humber river rock balanceSo I took a trip yesterday evening to wade into the river to see what all the fuss was about. While the artist ended the mystery by revealing himself to the Star in the afternoon (though Torontoist were already pretty darn sure who it was in the morning), the sculptures nevertheless remain captivating, especially when seen altogether.

Humber River StatuesThe work of Toronto photographer Peter Riedel, the statues are held together merely by gravity, so it's difficult to predict how much longer they will remain intact.

Humber River StatuesSome of the balancing acts are just fascinating, so I recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to view these spontaneous works of free art while you still can.

Humber River Rock Sculpture

Humber River Rock Sculpture

Writing and photography by David G.Tran. For more images, check out the slideshow below.

Discussion

20 Comments

Anonymous / August 4, 2010 at 03:47 pm
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These pictures and this writing is incredible! Who is this "David Tran" who takes such beautiful pictures and writes such clever text? Someboody pay this man!
Dr. Huxtable replying to a comment from Anonymous / August 4, 2010 at 04:15 pm
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Shilling for yourself?
BH / August 4, 2010 at 04:44 pm
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The Old Mill walk is a nice area for a stroll--this makes it even nicer. Amazing what can be done with the city without the city getting involved.
SP / August 4, 2010 at 05:09 pm
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I saw these pieces yesterday as well - very impressive. I love the spontaneous art that pops up in Toronto once in a while.

Great article.
WP / August 4, 2010 at 05:48 pm
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The rocks used in these sculptures used to provide habitat for fish hatchlings - but not any more.
This isn't the first time this has been done and the source was never a mystery - just the mainstream Toronto media being lazy.
Next time you see this guy busking on the street with his "art", ask him where the rocks he uses came from.
George Dunbar / August 4, 2010 at 05:53 pm
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Absolutely beautiful!
This artist deserves a reward.
Alan / August 4, 2010 at 05:54 pm
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i agree on the article...very well presented, great photos and nicely written...
Chris / August 4, 2010 at 06:35 pm
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I think it is beautiful! It must have been UFO's that did this. :)
BH replying to a comment from WP / August 4, 2010 at 08:01 pm
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WP,

Thanks for defending the rocks...amd the hatchlings too. God know they couldn't survive witout a few rocks around. With that kind of attitude I suppose you piss on puppies in the street too.

Wanker.
dawoo replying to a comment from WP / August 4, 2010 at 08:15 pm
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you're sad.
the reason why everyone thinks toronto is full of complainers and pessimists is because of people like you.
dawoo replying to a comment from WP / August 4, 2010 at 08:16 pm
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im referring to WP of course
shannon / August 4, 2010 at 08:26 pm
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i love this art, something unique to look at.
M / August 5, 2010 at 08:24 am
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I saw a guy doing this at V Fest a few years ago. It's really fascinating to watch.
michelle / August 8, 2010 at 09:40 am
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I am dying to take my grandson to see this while it's still intact but need some directions. We're not from Toronto and after all the articles I've seen none say exactly where it is. Old Mill, Humber River??? Can anyone help? Coming from Milton.

MH
David G. Tran replying to a comment from michelle / August 18, 2010 at 08:21 pm
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Hi Michelle,

I believe the statues are still intact as of speaking to someone who went by last week. here's a map: http://bit.ly/d0CkV1
matt replying to a comment from David G. Tran / August 18, 2010 at 10:35 pm
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Can anyone provide a useful map? I've never been to the humber river and I have yet to see where 'Old Mill' intersects it on ANY map. Thanks in advance.
David G. Tran / August 18, 2010 at 10:37 pm
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Park at the parking lot by Catherine St. and Old Mill Drive, and you should be able to find them quite easily if they are still standing there. I put a link in the post above that should show you the approximate location.
AR / June 5, 2011 at 01:39 am
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Get educated about the river, fish habitats and breeding grounds. These rocks should have been left alone as it is integral part of the river and fish breeding. Why desecrate salmon breeding grounds for the sake of art?! No wonder the nothing thrives there... these kinds of people won't let it. Just can't leave nature alone ... tsk, tsk.
Faiza Zebin / July 19, 2011 at 09:13 am
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this artistic work is great . the person who have done this should be praised. he has done a wonderful job . I salute him . By the way thanks for the ince pictures.

http://www.binwin.com/dumpster-rental-toronto/
michelle replying to a comment from Faiza Zebin / July 20, 2011 at 07:36 am
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Is this still standing?

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