Endangered knowledge: The Soul of Humus #17 Cowbirds

I just read an intesting article; how Cowbirds are hedging their bets when choosing surrogate birds to hatch and raise their young. Another instance that supports the theory that diversity is the ticket when it comes to the survival of a species.

Coincidently I picked up the bronze Cowbirds yesterday. They are ready for me to recreate the texture where they were damaged during the spruing process. Once that is complete I will deal with their patina. I should wait and decide on their finish once the abstract bison is further developed. That said I am excited to see how the materials will look in a polished finish. Below are closeups of each bird - just for the record.

The finishes are very powdery looking and flat because they were just sandblasted. When I decide on the patiba the textures will really show up.

I took a risk when I decided on the manner in which I would create the birds. The Cowbirds are constructed in a primitive manner. And they look extra primitive laying on the faux bois chair. Context impacts the way we see. I feel hopeful the organic and rough construction will work on the abstract beast they will be attached to. Roughly constructed they support the story, polished perfectly detailed birds would not relay their connection to the geography and mammals. I realize I have not taken the safe root and hope I didn’t need to hedge my by as the Cowbirds did theirs.

The big bird side 1

Opposite side.

On this image you can see a smooth surface from where the sprue was cur off. One spots the I will retexture.

From the top

Bird 2

Bird 3

Derail shot of bird 3 - you can see the seeds and grass stems.

Bird 4

As I recall this one gas some bluebonbet seeds in it's back feathers.

Bird 5

Texture gives me good goosebumps.

Working style philosophy

Range by David Epstein - in my mind is a must-read for any artist, creative writer, inventor, scientist moms or anyone who solves problems.

https://pepperdine-graphic.com/book-review-lessons-for-higher-education-in-david-epsteins-range/

”Everyone needs habits of mind that dance across disciplines.”
- D. Epstein

“Habits of mind that dance across disciplines-“ - D. Epstein

I love that quote; it sums up how I think and supports how I am driven to work. Several times during studio visits with people that are in the art world and that I have tremendous respect for, they advised me that I should focus on one thing, one media to work in, or one subject. It helps in branding. It also allows for intense and thorough investigations in an area. It is a smart way to go. I understand what they are saying. It is a lot easier to market art made out of one media or maybe two different medias. It allows you to be recognized by the work.

If I were 20 years old and created art for financial gain- to eat and pay my rent, I would 100% take the advice. Since I am 63 years old and after years of working long hours (not in a visual field), I now have the luxury of knowing where my next meal is coming. Branding is smart, but it is not what interests me about making art. The creativity, the making of, and the message of are what inspire me. The freedom to be creative and not have to worry about the marketability, durability, or popularity of size, material and color allows me to do work that is important to me, with materials that speak to the issues that keep me up at night or move me. It is a luxury not to have financial pressures. Having this luxury, I feel responsible for using the freedom I am afforded to do work that will help create a better world. It does not mean I can’t have fun with it. I love making and feeling passionate.

I have many interests, and I try to be open to new ideas. I believe creativity comes with exposure to life’s experiences, both good and bad, and life’s failures. I often try to break the rules set out by those who came before me regarding creating, and looking for new ways to find my voice. It comes from the willingness to try new things, ”to grasp further than my reach.” -Browning?

Every new idea I have, I first think if it should be expressed 2D or 3D or both. I have to consider the problems that will arise. I have to look far enough to solve the next problem, but not so far ahead that it is daunting. That is a fine line. Reading Range confirmed my beliefs and uncovered even more justifications for staying focused on my path of diversity. . There are connections in my creative wanderings, they are not as visible as using one media or one subject, but they are there for those that take the time to look and think. Good or bad, this is how I need to create. Maybe someday, but for now, I do not want to shift my mindset. I want to keep expanding my visual and sculptural vocabulary. I want to look for ways to interleave my work, create more mental schemes, broaden my thinking, think outside my experiences.

I am naive enough to hope that one-day, art historians, and or critics will see the connections in my work and maybe be glad I didn’t do one thing. Until then I have to figure out where to keep all this work.

On the Road to Roam

January 19, 2020

We are on the road to Roam, and I am feeling a little concerned. I believe that we as a society are not connected to the raising/producing, culling, and processing of our food. With this disconnect, what is essential has been lost. This not only impacts our health but also our environment (including the bees) that we are borrowing from future generations. It is easy to be judgmental and to point fingers. If I am going to judge our current food production system, I need to experience the process that I believe is a healthy and responsible alternative. I need to be willing not only to talk the talk but walk the walk. Thursday, Curtis, and worked Roam’s Bison Roundup. We were nicknamed the gatekeepers. One female, after careful and thoughtful analysis, was selected to be culled today. This is not going to be easy, but I will be a better human from the experience......... on the road to Roam.

Opening the car door the last thing I hear on the radio is, ”everything is dust in the wind, ” for one second I find comfort in these words.

The ranch Anatolian livestock guard dogs greet us at the ranch entrance.

The herd including the cow to be culled having a relaxing morning grazing on Texas prairie grasses. The cow in question will not be separated from the herd, she will not be stressed and will not feel any pain. This is how you humanely harvest an animal. This is not how industrial Agriculture harvests meat.

That explained it is a heavy feeling knowing that a life is being sacrificed. Being aware of what is being lost in order to put a high quality protein on the table makes every ounce of meat more valuable. Nothing should be wasted. The experience changes how we value animal protein.

I participated for two reasons; personal growth through awareness and a deeper knowledge for a body of work whose concept I am working on called Giving the Bird.