More Spirit Bear Ranting

Posted by
Filed in Arts
May 10, 2006

Further to my Spirit Bear ranting and Metroblogging's couple of posts on the subject of hideous fiberglass bears masquerading as public art, the Vancouverite has now posted a letter that is just awesome.

Dear Mr. Miller,

I am sure that you receive a lot of positive feedback with regards to the Spirit Bears in the City fundraiser since it was modeled after the successful Orcas in the City campaign, among others. I'm actually writing today to urge you to consider a different campaign for your next fundraiser.

One of the objectives of the Spirit Bears in the City campaign is to promote civic pride. While I'm sure that many people enjoy the site of massive fiberglass bears littering the city streets, for some these brightly coloured statues are a source of the exact opposite. Vancouver is a beautiful city, and these bears render it kitschy and farcical. Artists should be free to pursue endeavours near and dear to their hearts, rather than being confined to a mammal-shaped canvas. These statues trivialize the dignity of the Spirit Bear - a noble animal such as this forced to wear a jet-pack? It's just a little bit ridiculous.

None of this is to say that I don't support the Lions' fundraising efforts. In fact, I would be more likely to conisder becoming a supporter if it meant no more animal statues in Vancouver .

Good luck with your fundraising efforts.

I hope it actually gets sent to them and they actually take note. I can only imagine what might be next in line....Fiberglass beavers probably.

Reader Reviews and Comments

Submit a Review or Comment

I'm thinking that next time they're probably going to go the whole way on the tack front - Mounties, moose, first nations figures in traditional costume... Oh, the horror.

Posted by: Cat at May 10, 2006 12:22 PM | Quote Comment

I am a bit surprised that the bears go unmolested. It's SO tempting to turn one of them into Ninja Bear with a couple coats of flat black spray paint.

Posted by: Richard Murray

at May 10, 2006 12:23 PM | Quote Comment

i dunno. that letter seems far too polite, imo.

Posted by: statusq at May 10, 2006 1:07 PM | Quote Comment

Toronto had an idea like this about six or seven years ago and a whole bunch of fibreglass moose sprung up across the city. They're just as ugly and just as contrived as our bears and dolphins. Like the one in Little Italy that was doused in glue and covered with pasta shells. Brilliant. I don't think it even took two weeks before every moose within easy reach had its antlers stolen.

Posted by: Jeff

at May 10, 2006 1:49 PM | Quote Comment

Well I've just learned, to my great shame, that the company I work for is going to be unveiling their very own Spirit Bear. Good god.

Posted by: Jeff

at May 11, 2006 10:40 AM | Quote Comment

Jeff, I think you know what to do - your company's bear must become Ninja Bear as described in Richard's post above...

Posted by: Cat at May 11, 2006 11:08 AM | Quote Comment

ninja bear! absolutely!

Posted by: degan at May 11, 2006 11:12 AM | Quote Comment

Thats so funny Jeff! When is the unvieling going to take place?

Posted by: Sarah at May 11, 2006 11:18 AM | Quote Comment

These bears are tacky and cheesy. The hawaiian shirt and coral necklace just ad to it. I'm all for a campaign to make them go away...

Posted by: Katherine at May 11, 2006 12:13 PM | Quote Comment

I'm wondering how much duct tape it would take to completely mummify one of them....

Posted by: Richard Murray

at May 11, 2006 1:42 PM | Quote Comment

One of them has a pack of gummy bears in its pocket. Woohoo, free corporate sponsorship for sugar junk candy. A great way to represent our city.

Posted by: statusq at May 11, 2006 1:58 PM | Quote Comment

One clue Sarah: it's going to be on the waterfront. And soon. That's two clues. If anyone wants to turn it into a ninja or a duct tape bear or whatever... knock yourself out. It's going to look ugly one way or the other.

Posted by: Jeff

at May 11, 2006 3:42 PM | Quote Comment

How about slayer bear!

Posted by: sarah at May 11, 2006 5:15 PM | Quote Comment

I found these bears goofy compared to the dolphins. Then my dad got asked to do one, Construction Bear, i pretended to be happy for him. Many of his very established and talented friends have done them as well. I havn't seen his bear yet, but i hope it's ok, and doesn't get raped by duct tape ninjas.

Posted by: vanessa at May 12, 2006 5:54 PM | Quote Comment

why is anything to do with these hideous eyesores even posted in the Arts section?

Posted by: D.J. at May 12, 2006 9:56 PM | Quote Comment

I am a whore who was contracted to paint a bear. I tried several times to change the collective minds of my client, but to no avail. Thinking of the worthy cause this is for, I painted the bear anyway and I absolutely hate it. I was horrified to see my name immortalized on a plaque at the bears feet. I guess it's better to regret something you have done than to regret something you haven't done, and by the way, if you see your mom this weekend, would you be sure and tell her.....SATAN!

Posted by: bob at May 18, 2006 11:41 PM | Quote Comment

Thats such a rad song bob! What bear did you paint?

Posted by: sarahb at May 21, 2006 2:01 PM | Quote Comment

hmmmm...lets get bcak to the fiberglass beaver's.

Posted by: jana at May 25, 2006 11:38 PM | Quote Comment

Edinburgh, Scotland has its own Cow Parade going on right now. In July they're taking down all the cows and auctioning them off - are we doing that with the bears?

You'd think that in two weeks time when I go on a little holiday back home to see my family I could get away from the damn things, but no, I just happen to live in Kitimat and guess what's waiting for me at the Terrace/Kitimat airport?

"Gone Fishin'

Posted by: Rachel at June 12, 2006 1:33 AM | Quote Comment