Three VERY rough ideas…for my ideas I pretended I was given a commission from the American Sheep Industry Association. Weirdly specific, I know…haha. I wanted to create a piece that would elevate and recognize the humble, salt of the earth ranchers in the industry. The styles vary pretty drastically. I would be grateful for feedback on which is strongest.
As I thought about this piece I researched images, interviews and history of Sheep ranchers in the west. Images I found that were striking were those of sheep shearings bent over in back breaking labor as they removed the big fluffy fleeces from the sheep. Now shearing happens with shears much like those in a barber shop. Originally though, Shepherds used shears that looked like huge scissors. These implements require strength, attention, and caution as they sheared each sheep. I want to create an oversized pair of these vintage shears as it's a universal symbol and tool to sheep ranchers.
A second image and historical element are rock stacks found in the west called Shepherd Monuments. Similar in appearance to cairns, only much larger, these monuments were built/stacked by shepherds to mark where to set up camp, good spots for grazing, and occasionally something that passed time as they watched their sheep graze. I would like to give a nod to these monuments by stacking icons of the sheep industry. In drawing two, I illustrated this concept. Using a shepherd’s wagon, shears, and a bundled fleece. This concept would include a rod armature, sheet metal for the shears, and found objects to make up for fleece and wagon.
My intention for this piece is to honor an industry that is often unseen and undervalued.
I was digging through some discarded photos at a barn the other day and came across this image. It's an image of a Wool Exhibition in Casper, WY in the 1940’s. If you look closely at the picture you can see that someone took the time to decorate the ceiling with metallic stars, and placed each wool item with care, showing value and appreciation to the ranchers, the process, and the product that resulted from tireless labor. I would like the piece I make to have the spirit as this 1940’s Wool Exhibition.
Nicely written Lindsey. The second idea is the strongest visually and conceptually. Looking at the wire you have, we will need to problem solve into the fleece look more so it reads as you want it to outside, unless this piece goes inside, then you can literally use fluff to help us know what the fleece is in the piece.
Very nice post Lindsey.
Hey there! I love the idea of this being a commissioned peice. I think that your two most effective ideas are your first two. With the first concept, I automatically think of butcher charts and how they highlight every peice of meat that a animal can produce.
ReplyDeleteWith your second idea, it's effect in the since that it feels more like a story. It represents a process of hearding the sheep in to sheer and get the fleece.
Thank you Virgil. I like your point about the second having a story line. I would like my work to be narrative, so that's encouraging.
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