Fence Post & Burdock

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15 3/4” x 24”, acrylic on board, 1971

 

The natural world is not the only thing that appeals to me as an artist. I also enjoy man-made objects, particularly those which have been affected by the forces of nature. Through history there has been a constant battle between man and his desire for permanence and nature's tendency to change things. It is a true statement to say that no condition is permanent, particularly in nature.

 

This fence post was a living, growing white cedar. The farmer selected it because it is less prone to rot. However, the decades, have evolved an interesting surface of patterns and textures, for many different reasons.

 

The humble burdock supplies a decorative accent, far more pleasing in a picture than on your trousers or in your dog's fur.