SCULPTURE IN THE AIR LIFT

I am in somewhat of an artistic quandary after visiting an exhibition of sculpture at Lord’s Wood near Marlow, Buckinghamshire, yesterday. I found a wonderful house and garden displaying a variety of magnificent sculptures by a variety of artists, in a variety of styles. In particular there are some magnificent pieces by Dido Crosby depicting a number of animals. There is also some very fine work by Bridget McCrum, whose work is more abstract. On the left column below are some works by McCrum and on the right work by Crosby.

Opposite The Raven, by Crosby, is a piece entitled Poised Bird, by McCrum. Both present the simple image of a bird. The raven draws us in. There is something about its reality that gives it life. It is not a feather for feather reproduction, but it is very much a living creature with a personality all its own. The poised bird on the other hand reveals an impression of a bird about to take off in flight. It is a glimpse, a blur of the bird in that split second of motion at take off. Both pieces are clearly the result of a great deal of thought and work.  Whilst there is an instant recognition of bird life in the Raven, the Poised Bird takes a bit longer to see. Not a lot longer, but as a viewer, I am not altogether certain I would get there without the written title to guide me. Is that a problem with the abstract? Whilst not all abstract work requires guidance, approaching such work can sometimes be more difficult; although, the piece need not require written words to create an impression or for the viewer/reader to fully appreciate it. There are also certain works which do not seem to have required the same degree of hands on endeavour to create, but which present an instant recognition. These pieces are usually associated with a clever use of objects, such as Alexander Calder’s Dog (below) and much of Marcel Duchamp's Object Trouvé or Readymades.

Alexander Calder, Dog, 1926-31, Wood, clothespin, and wire,
3-7/8 x 5-5/8 x 1-1/2", Calder Foundation, New York

So what's my point? I'm not sure I really have one. Things speak for themselves? Just be willing to listen.

In remembrance, 63 years ago on the 26^th June 1948 the allies began an airlift to Berlin after the Soviet Union blockaded West Berlin.