natiello1@juno.com
Queen Anne’s Lace: a mandala for cows (formerly known as the Petri Dish)
Although many would refer to this sculpture as grass circles or crop circles it is not to be thought of as such. Where crop circles are purported to be created by a “higher being or life form” these Grass Sculptures are intended to help the viewer get closer to energy greater than the self. Similar in function to a mandala, Zen garden, labyrinth or maze the purpose of the grass sculpture is one of centering and orientation (within the self, the environment/place, community, world and cosmos). Further more it is meant to represent a pure truth and as such is an aid to meditation. In this case the sculpture is intended mainly for the Black Angus to utilize and ponder the ontological questions that cows often mull over while chewing their cud.
Visually the sculpture is influenced by the existing landscape and land use. Queen Anne’s Lace flower (growing in the hay fields) has informed the design and composition of this grass sculpture. The piles of hay placed at random yet seemingly regular intervals were inspired by the ones seen scattered throughout the farm. They just happen to coincide with the cardinal points and the structure of the Queen Anne’s Lace. Cows are encouraged to munch on the hay as they meditate on their existence.
The process is informed by lawn mowing and landscaping practices where visual texture is achieved on a grass area by alternating the direction of the lawn mower and blade rotation. Additional texture and patterning is achieved by raising or lowering the mower deck similar to the technique barbers use with hair clippers. Tools of choice for this sculpture were a scythe, John Deere mower, Chevy Tracker and a Dodge Turbo Power Ram (Cummins diesel engine).
______
Born in Edison, New Jersey, the artist spent much of his formative years in the Garden State. In 1991 a quest in search of the Jersey Devil prompted him to pursue a career in art, in lieu of joining the clergy. He currently resides in the Hudson Valley’s Highland Mountains in Garrison New York.
