Toronto artist, U.S. colleague capture wild Canada goose-bald eagle fight photos in an ice sculpture

Ice, a quintessentially Canadian material, has been used by Toronto artist Sarah Blostein to capture the wild moment when a Canada goose bravely fought off a vicious attack from a bald eagle. Describing ice as both strong and fragile, Blostein was inspired by the photos taken by Oakville photographer Mervyn Sequeira, which she felt conveyed a message of strength and resilience needed in the midst of current events.

The encounter between the two birds, which was documented at the LaSalle Marina, was described by Sequeira as symbolic, especially in light of the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Canada. With Trump’s repeated comments about wanting Canada to become the 51st state and the imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, the images of the goose standing up to the eagle took on a deeper meaning.

To further emphasize the cross-border collaboration and the unique relationship between the two countries, Blostein enlisted American artist Riley Knaus to sculpt the bald eagle. The photos of the dramatic confrontation between the birds, which Sequeira shared on Instagram, garnered international attention and were seen as a metaphor for the current political climate.

Both artists worked together to create an ice sculpture inspired by the images, with Blostein focusing on the dynamic pose of the goose and Knaus capturing the expression of the eagle. Despite the tense relations between the two countries, the artists saw the project as an opportunity to showcase their skills and bring a touch of humor to the situation.

The finished sculpture, named Fowl Play, was a testament to the power of nature and art coming together. Blostein and Knaus spent several hours over a day and a half carving the ice, with the final result serving as a reminder of the beauty and resilience of both Canadian and American cultures. The project not only showcased the talent of the artists but also highlighted the importance of collaboration and creativity in times of uncertainty.