This mixed-media textile piece brings a whimsical Highland cow to life, not through paint, but through a playful collision of textures and fabrics. The artwork feels less like a static image and more like a scrappy, lovable character assembled from a treasure trove of sewing scraps.
At the heart of the composition is the cow’s face, framed on a distinct rectangle of raw-edged cream canvas that sits atop the background like a snapshot. The cow’s most iconic feature—its shaggy “mop top”—is reimagined as a cascade of thick, cream-colored yarn, messy and tactile, tumbling down over its forehead. Peeking out from beneath this woolen fringe are two wide, quirky eyes and a stitched brown snout, giving the beast a startled, endearing expression. Topping it off, a pair of silver metallic horns curve upwards, adding a surprising touch of industrial shine to the rustic softness.
The body anchors the piece with visual weight, formed from a sweeping slab of textured brown faux leather. This smooth, heavy material contrasts sharply with the delicate fabrics around it, mimicking the tough hide of the animal. Below, blocky legs finished with hot pink accents suggest hooves, or perhaps a pair of stylish boots, adding a dash of humor.
The world behind the cow is a dreamlike, patchwork landscape. The sky is stitched together from linen and teal prints resembling coral or frost, while appliqué clouds float above. At the bottom, dark floral and patterned fabrics are cut into jagged spikes to form tall grass, grounding the cow in its pasture. Finally, breaking the boundary of the rectangular frame, a long tail of twisted variegated yarn dangles freely off the right side, suggesting movement and ensuring that this charming highland beast refuses to be contained by the borders of the canvas.
The Highlander is currently part of the where the wild things stay exhibit at Found:RE Contemporary in Phoenix AZ, and may be purchased through the gallery.
This mixed-media textile piece brings a whimsical Highland cow to life, not through paint, but through a playful collision of textures and fabrics. The artwork feels less like a static image and more like a scrappy, lovable character assembled from a treasure trove of sewing scraps.
At the heart of the composition is the cow’s face, framed on a distinct rectangle of raw-edged cream canvas that sits atop the background like a snapshot. The cow’s most iconic feature—its shaggy “mop top”—is reimagined as a cascade of thick, cream-colored yarn, messy and tactile, tumbling down over its forehead. Peeking out from beneath this woolen fringe are two wide, quirky eyes and a stitched brown snout, giving the beast a startled, endearing expression. Topping it off, a pair of silver metallic horns curve upwards, adding a surprising touch of industrial shine to the rustic softness.
The body anchors the piece with visual weight, formed from a sweeping slab of textured brown faux leather. This smooth, heavy material contrasts sharply with the delicate fabrics around it, mimicking the tough hide of the animal. Below, blocky legs finished with hot pink accents suggest hooves, or perhaps a pair of stylish boots, adding a dash of humor.
The world behind the cow is a dreamlike, patchwork landscape. The sky is stitched together from linen and teal prints resembling coral or frost, while appliqué clouds float above. At the bottom, dark floral and patterned fabrics are cut into jagged spikes to form tall grass, grounding the cow in its pasture. Finally, breaking the boundary of the rectangular frame, a long tail of twisted variegated yarn dangles freely off the right side, suggesting movement and ensuring that this charming highland beast refuses to be contained by the borders of the canvas.