Signal, Noise (2016)

Mark Ashby

4588 Dubbert Street

Area: East Richmond
Location: The artwork is located on the south-facing gates of the Oxford Lane townhomes on Alexandra Rd.

Materials: Galvanized steel, stainless steel

Program: Private
Ownership: Private
Sponsored By: Alexandra Road Limited Partnership

Description of Work

signal, noise is a series of nine unique entry gates constructed for the south-facing street entrances for Oxford Lane on the themes of communication, connection and territory.

Digitally fabricated from steel bars, each gate will present a unique three-dimensional surfaces to Alexandra Road. Constructed from a lattice with a depth between 1” to 3”, the gates will appear opaque or transparent to viewers as they travel the sidewalk, providing a dynamic experience to passers-by. The gates will also cast interesting and variable shadows on the front walk and garden of the townhouses.

The pattern of the gates is derived from a concentric sine wave or ripple. While invoking the obvious metaphor of raindrops in puddles, this pattern is also characteristic of a sound-wave emanating from a point. The choice of pattern alludes to the signature calls of songbirds declaring their territory from each gate.

While the project is driven by an underlying rationale, the gates are intentionally ambiguous, offering an dynamic, aesthetic experience that will change its appearance as the viewers pass, as the gates open and close and as the sun moves across the sky.

Artist Statement

Marking territory through claim or survey is the precursor to land development for settlement or resource extraction. Anomalous in the context of pre-European world views, the western notion of land ownership is pervasive in our paradigm and fundamental to the social and economic systems of our society.

The assertion of territory is a trait we share with other species, notably songbirds indigenous to the marshlands of the Fraser River delta. Where we mark territory by demarcating edges with buildings, fences and walls, birds use song to assert their presence in the landscape, to communicate, to socialize, to procreate and, ultimately, to survive.

While home-ownership is held to be the ultimate end-state for young adults, first-time home ownership is, in fact, a step serving a deeper need for social fulfilment. One’s choice of home can help or hinder this drive for meaning by providing or withholding opportunities to engage one’s neighbours and the broader community beyond one’s front door.

This project is inspired by the songbirds of Richmond and the spirit of neighbourliness embedded in the design for Oxford Lane.