Saturday, April 5, 2008

My Winter Project

I have finally finished a daunting project that I undertook in the fall. I set myself a goal of tunneling half way through the big tree in our paddock by springtime and I've succeeded. I have an abiding love of whittling anything made of wood and have many sets of wheelbarrow handles, fence rails, door fronts and other objects that I have transformed into astonishingly beautiful works of art. This is the first project I have undertaken on such a massive scale. I'm exhausted, but very pleased with my progress. By the end of next winter, I should be all the way through to the other side. The humans frown on my creative efforts but we artists know that it has always been thus with the baser classes.

I occasionally work in other media such as plastic, fabric and leather and in fact have completely reshaped some of the leather objects in the tack room. They are now unrecognizable. I have simplified some of the woman's garments by removing buttons and sleeves - much more streamlined, and believe me, she needs streamlining. I have reworked the plastic handle of our grooming box to such an abstract form that it is completely useless for it's original purpose but it's aesthetics have been vastly improved.

That said, wood remains my first love and preferred medium. I hope you enjoy the picture I have posted. The humans called it sheer vandalism but I know my readers will see in it an attempt by a sensitive soul to release the inner tree.

5 comments:

robert5721 said...

Sheaffer, yes, and by releasing the "Inner Tree" you are also producing a great form of fertilizer! How ecologically conscious you are! You must just bear the burden of the artist, and continue your quest for the perfect art!

By the way, do you know a good way to get coffee stains off of a monitor and keyboard? I laughed so hard I blew a mouthful all over the place....
Mr Gale

Gale said...

Sheaffer, you and Rambo must be related. He also has been working hard on a large tree stump (that the tree man left, much to my dismay) but his "work of art" hasn't nearly as much character as yours, more on the order of rotting pulp. Maybe he's just not artistic.

ponymaid said...

Mr. Gale, I knew you would understand that the heart of an artist beats under this furry exterior. To remove stains, stare at the spot very hard for at least an hour. Then lick the entire area until the coffee taste fades. Finally, give the whole keyboard a thorough chewing. Works every time.

Gale, Rambo is undoubtedly an artist, but just like his namesake, his art takes a rawer, more visceral form. Don't be surprised if he starts building huge steel beam structures in his paddock. It sounds like his art is more of the Installation variety and meant to be seen in situ.

robert5721 said...

Hey Sheaffer, what kinda horses were DOC's parents? He is one BIG honker, and pretty good looking (for a horse, that is) The heart shaped rump and Taft style girth are a dead giveaway of one who must enjoy his liesure..LOL..maybe, if you really buddy up with HIM, TJ would leave you alone more....even TJ is not dumb enough to take THAT guy on..smile..
Mr Gale

ponymaid said...

Mr. Gale, Doc is something called a "Foundation" Quarter Horse - I think that means he's strong enough to hold up a building. He's only about 14hh but he is built to last - like a good radial tire. He is the self-appointed guardian of the paddock and unfortunately has taken TJ on as a foster child. He let him do anything he wants and it's an utter disgrace.