Remic Rapids Ottawa River and the Art of Rock Balancing

The first afternoon of my solo trip to Ottawa I decided to go for a walk along the Ottawa River and I discovered the wonderful Rock Art exhibit at Remic Rapids. I glimpsed a grouping of stones balanced on one another like an inukshuk. Walking further down the river I saw dozens of balanced rock art sculptures.

It turns out that balancing rocks is quite popular. Of course one man’s art is another man’s vandalism. Some people are not keen on disrupting the natural flow and conditions of nature. I mostly agree with them.

However, I must say I did enjoy the imaginative balanced rock displays in Ottawa.

It looked like a village of rock people and a few rather alien looking beings. Have a look at these images of balanced rocks and let me know what you think.

Rock Art Remic Rapids Ottawa

I spent a couple of hours wandering around this outdoor art gallery of balanced rock art created at Remic Rapids area of the Ottawa River.

 

Rock Art Remic Rapids Ottawa River - an annual event held each summer - free event
Rock Art at Remic Rapids on the Ottawa River

 

The work was created by the participants of the Ottawa BAWI Festival.

BAWI stands for Balanced Art World International and the 2014 festival featured 13 artists from Brazil, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, and USA.

 

Rock Art Remic Rapids Ottawa River - Balanced Art World International
Rock Art at Remic Rapids – Ottawa River

 

I loved the sculptures that looked like people and some of the pieces seemed to defy gravity.

I took a closer look to see what sort of tricks they used to balance the rocks.

 

Rock Art Remic Rapids Ottawa River - annual balancing rock art exhibit
Close-up of balancing rock art at Remic Rapids – Ottawa River

 

It only takes a few tiny stones to balance the rocks and give the magical appearance.

I quite liked the archways built with stones.

 

Rock Art Remic Rapids Ottawa River - arch made of stones - part of the annual rock art exhibit
Rock Art Arch – Remic Rapids Ottawa River

 

Rock Art Remic Rapids Ottawa River - rock formations created by balancing rocks on one another - an annual event along the Ottawa River
Rock Art at Remic Rapids Ottawa River

 

Rock Art Remic Rapids Ottawa River - annual art rock exhibit during summer
Arch created at Rock Art exhibit – Remic Rapids Ottawa River

 

There was one piece that I spotted with my camera and thought I saw a bright white stone placed on top of the sculpture.

 

Rock Art Remic Rapids Ottawa River - annual balanced rock festival and exhibit
Rock Art at Remic Rapids – Ottawa River

 

A closer look and I realized the white stone was really an imposter.

I thought is was funny that I mistook a piece of chewing gum for a pretty white stone.

 

Rock Art Remic Rapids Ottawa River - gum atop a rock sculpture
Gum atop the rock art – Remic Rapids Ottawa River

 

I sat by the water and enjoyed a snack while watching the birds and the people go by along the river.

There were plenty of Canada geese, a few ducks, and an occasional sea-gull.

 

Canada goose dining at the Ottawa River
Canada goose – Ottawa River

 

Duck resting along the shores of the Ottawa River
Duck resting along the shores of the Ottawa River

 

Sea gull along the Ottawa River
Sea gull along the Ottawa River

 

Rock art on display at Ottawa River
Rock art on display at Ottawa River

 

Balanced rock art - Ottawa River
Balanced rock art – Ottawa River

 

Rock art at Remic Rapids on the Ottawa River - summertime art event
Rock art at Remic Rapids on the Ottawa River

 

Rock art at Remic Rapids Ottawa River
Remic Rapids Ottawa River and the art of rock balancing

 

I love walking along the water and the rock art display was a wonderful whimsical addition to my stroll along the Ottawa River. First impressions are always strongest and this was my first impression of Ottawa on a sunny August afternoon.

 

14 thoughts on “Remic Rapids Ottawa River and the Art of Rock Balancing”

  1. Brilliant works of art, so creative and they look like what they are meant to be.
    Ottawa seems to be a very interesting city.
    We see a lot of Canada Geese flying over my husband’s golf club, they make great row when they chatter to each other. Sometime they’ll come down to the lake for some water.
    Lovely photo’s again and most enjoyable seeing the clever artwork.

    Best wishes,

    Di

    Reply
    • Hello Di, Canada Geese are a noisy bunch! I love watching them fly in formation. There certainly were plenty of them in Ottawa – it seems they are fond of Canada’s capital.
      Cheers,
      Susan

      Reply
  2. So clever and inspiring! Some seem to defy the laws of physics! I always cringe when I come across these in the wilderness, as I think they work better in urban environments as a reminder of nature. I’ll look forward to this when I visit Ottawa.

    Reply

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