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The Sculpture
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| A small herd of bison can be glimpsed through the trees. The four creatures arranged in different positions have a very naturalistic presence. They are based on close observation of live bison which Sally sketched at the Highland Wildlife Park. She was inspired by their "quiet, enormous presence" and imagined they had once roamed the forest at Tyrebagger. The sculptures were made from welded steel and chicken wire frames and covered in the forest using peat, sheep’s wool and other natural materials such as pine needles bound together with waterproof PVA glue. Her use of these materials gives the bison a shaggy and earthy appearance which helps them to blend with their surroundings. The peat, formed over thousands of years and with its ancient smell, helps to make a link with the past. By using materials that will rot and decay over time, Sally makes a link with natural processes and cycles. Everywhere in the forest, particularly underfoot, the process of decomposition sustains new growth above |
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This area of the forest, dark, secretive and wild, inspired the artist to think of prehistoric Scotland, when much of the land was covered with forest. At this time, Scotland was home to many creatures no longer at large, e.g. bear, elk, boar, lynx, wolf and beaver. Situated on a slightly downwards sloping track, the bison appear silhouetted against a lighter backdrop which adds drama to the encounter.
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