06 October 2019

Deadfall

deadfall, land art, verna vogel, sheep river alberta

Yesterday JP and I went out into the country.

deadfall, land art, verna vogel, sheep river alberta

We found a good spot near the river, and JP set out his painting gear and got to work depicting the landscape from the inside out ... that's how I view his process, because he himself so much a part of this place.

deadfall, land art, verna vogel, sheep river alberta

After exploring the area a bit, I decided to re-organize some branches which were lying on the ground under a big tree.


First I made a circle around the base of the tree.

deadfall, land art, verna vogel, sheep river alberta

Then I saw that animals like to gather here and, not wanting to create encumbrances for them or myself, I moved my work off to the side.

deadfall, land art, verna vogel, sheep river alberta

I began with the largest branches ...

deadfall, land art, verna vogel, sheep river alberta


deadfall, land art, verna vogel, sheep river albertadeadfall, land art, verna vogel, sheep river alberta

... which became progressively smaller as I worked toward the centre.

deadfall, land art, verna vogel, sheep river alberta

About two hours later, the deadfall circle was finished.

deadfall, land art, verna vogel, sheep river alberta

A satisfying job!

deadfall, land art, verna vogel, sheep river alberta

Stepping back, I see that there is a nice relaxed sort of communication among the tree and its re-organized deadfall.  If the circle had been around the base of the tree as originally conceived, I think the whole thing may have looked overly contrived.

deadfall, land art, verna vogel, sheep river alberta

Response to, rather than control of the elements, that's the key for me.

4 comments:

Barbara Muir said...

You are amazing—a universal artist. Art everywhere Literally!

XOXOXOXO Barbara

Verna Vogel said...

Thank you Barbara! I have realized I love makingh "land art" more than making paintings of the landscape :)

pdcrumbaker said...

I have always loved Andy Goldsworthy's installations. This circle of yours just seems to be so connected to place. Even in the image, it evokes a response.

Verna Vogel said...

Thank you PD, that is high praise!

xoxoxo
Verna