January 2021: the commissioning of an original work of public art to recognize the percussive and poetic contributions of one of its favourite sons, virtuoso Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.
“We’re quite certain the park and the art piece is going to become a mecca for Rush fans around the world,” said David DeRocco, head of the task force soliciting the artwork. “From the get-go, the committee has said, ‘Let’s think big here.’”
According to DeRocco, who estimates he saw Rush in concert some 30 times over the years, the “loose budget” for the commission, which will be funded through donations, is $1.5-million.
Newfoundland artist Morgan MacDonald works on a clay sculpture of the late Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.
Among the artists expected to compete for the Peart memorial commission is Morgan MacDonald, a well-known Newfoundland sculptor who has made it his business to immortalize heroes. Among his works is A Time, a bronze sculpture of the beloved Newfoundland folk singer-songwriter Ron Hynes that stands near the YellowBelly Brewery on George Street in St. John’s.
This summer, MacDonald posted photos on social media of a clay maquette of Peart and his drums.
“It would be a huge honour if I were selected to create a sculpture of Neil,” says MacDonald, a fan of Rush since childhood who had already put in more than 1,000 hours into the sculpture’s design before the commission was announced. “After his death, to think that Rush was not going to be making music as a trio ever again, it hurt me to the core. You realize things don’t last forever.”
Please visit The Globe and Mail article for more information: HERE
Learn more about Morgan MacDonald:
www.theartofmorganmacdonald.com/biography
www.facebook.com/The-Art-Of-Morgan-MacDonald-316379055698451
Newfoundland’s pre-eminent sculptor Morgan MacDonald is known for his large monumental bronze works and sculptural interpretations of history and culture. He is an award winning artist who is the recipient of the Memorial University 2016 Horizon Awards for outstanding achievement under the age of 35. Working with his artistic team in the tradition of the lost wax method he creates from a foundry and studio in the picturesque community of Logy Bay, Newfoundland. His works are highly realistic and technical in nature with an emphasis on our deepest expressive human qualities.
