Spring Lamb

Open air sculptures made through close observation of sheep behaviour and discussion with others.

Very young lambs climb onto straw bales, tree stumps, their mothers' backs or other high objects. They charge around in groups, jostling each other or jumping off small mounds, one after the other. The world, in terms of materiality and social interaction, is understood by pitting the body against stuff – in short, through play. Spring Lamb uses trial and error (also a sort of play) to make temporary free standing structures for lambs to play on.

They are built in the field. Fabrication decisions are based on practical, rather than aesthetic, criteria. Thus the look is functional. Much of the material is pre-used. The sculptures/are try-outs rather than pre-designed objects.

This project is not anthropomorphic. Although it utilises the fact that we get pleasure from watching young animals play and involves figuring out lambs' behaviour, the pun in the project's title reminds us of the their role as foodstuff. It posits play as essential to learning for both animals and humans. And to art too. Through discussion it gives visitors insight and input into artistic process.

 

 

Photos - Jonty Wilde