Our Place

“Our House” by Dorsey James located in Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park, Pickering.

About the Artwork: 

Sculptor Dorsey James considers this piece one of his “Kijimba Kind” works, a piece that symbolizes spirit children of all types, colours, history, and religion.  It is reminiscent of the different directions, choices, and challenges that we might encounter in our lives.

Carved from a used cedar hydro pole, Our House comprises of ten characters that represent aspects of the spiritual and physical components that make our country what it is today.

The Owl symbolizes the intellectual prowess and educational growth that is manifest in our Province.

The Eagle symbolizes the courage and determination required to develop and implement new financial strategies, ideologies and technologies on a world-class level.

The Crane, the bringer of offspring, symbolizes maternal love and happiness, heartfelt care, vigilance and concern that we extend to family and our youth.

.The Four Humans; black, white, red and yellow, symbolizes the multicultural diversity of our country, the four age groups and the passage of time and the seasons. The four waves symbolize the four corners of the earth.

The Maple Leaf symbolizes Canada.

The Trillium Flower symbolizes Ontario.

The Honey Bee symbolizes our historically strong work ethic. It is hidden behind the elderly person, reminding us that we need to seek it out and will find much knowledge and wisdom from our elders.

This sculpture was generously donated to the City by the Rotary Club of Pickering.

About the Artist

Dorsey is a Pickering resident and member of PineRidge Arts Council. Now Canadian, he was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After four years as a jet aircraft mechanic in the US Air Force, he immigrated to Toronto and eventually studied Visual Arts and Education at York University. His sculptures have been exhibited across Canada as well as in the United States and Germany. He lives with his family in Pickering, Ontario, continues to teach. He was awarded a commission by the Trillium Foundation for this waterfront sculpture entitled “Home Place”.

View the location of this piece on the Public Art Map.