Sally Matthews

Description

Sheep is based on the South Wales Mountain breed and Sally Matthews recognises that, "as [she] was making it, it took on a stronger, larger feel, probably because of the strength and character of this particular breed". Matthews usually creates flocks, herds or packs of animals, however, in choosing to create a single sheep she is presenting the onlooker with an individual, a unique character to identify with on a one to one basis. The white finish to the patination of the bronze adds a sense of vulnerability to the lone, unprotected creature while highlighting the celestial glow that sheep often have against the landscape.

Sally Matthews has always been fascinated by her father's veterinary anatomy books and has gained great knowledge of bone and muscle structure through the study of both these books and dead animals in the flesh. It is, however, the living animal, it's spirit, strength and character, that is of greatest interest to her. Constantly inspired by movements in flesh and muscle as they run, walk, lie and turn, Matthews aims to remind people of "our need for animals and the example their nature provides us with." Unsentimental in her approach, Matthews has created a piece so faithful to the natural that it could almost be mistaken for the real thing. Stumbling across Sheep in the Goodwood landscape, it is as though the viewer has entered the territory of the sheep, who has simply stopped to assess it's surroundings.