Sheep

Comment

Comment by julie keller on February 6, 2012 at 11:32pm

every time i look at this work, i feel the anxiety.  great to capture that in an image that also appears superficially to be humorous. 

Comment by Lisa Shimko on September 21, 2011 at 9:46am

Very intriguing thoughts about Sheep. I appreciate the time to not only take a look at the painting but to intently observe and experience it. Plus, you took extra time to write about it. 

Thank you for the feedback!

Lisa

Comment by Resident Curator on September 17, 2011 at 9:51am

Curator’s Comment:

 

What intriguing humanlike faces on the sheep & ram.  The fact that they’re precariously perched on the narrow structures and tied to each other suggests to me they share the same inevitable peril.  The symbolic use of the sheep/lamb as sacrificial and ram’s symbolism as virulent and strong is deeply entrenched in the human psyche.  So the strong are tied to the weak? Or maybe that’s an overly pessimistic reading!  From a formal standpoint, I really enjoy the flat space contrasted with the detailed textures of wool and grass.   While there is some illusionistic space with the cooler background receding, the animated style is exuberant and refreshing.  The smooth fluidity of the environment and looser depiction of architectural forms also helps keep psychological emphasis on the animal figures.   I agree this work would be a strong children’s book illustration- and like the great illustrators, there is another layer of adult content and refined aesthetic sensibility.