Part of the herd

 

Epsom Common June 2013

Today, in oppressive heat, I walked my usual route around High Meadow on Epsom common. Amongst the shrub and oak trees I encountered five of the Holstein cows whose job it is to graze, and restore this area to 'lowland heath'. They accepted my presence: and, as I stood still they came closer to investigate. On previous visits I have seen them edge nearer to dogs being walked in their temporary summer home. These encounters end in wild barking and the owner calling their dogs away. I think at first the cows were checking to see if I had any animal with me. When they had decided I was OK, I moved to sit under a nearby oak.

This change in my height sparked great interest and they started to jostle each other for a better position from which to sniff and even lick my clothes and hands. Maybe I was a strange kind of dog. I could smell the silage on their breath and see my reflection in the dark orbit of their eyes. I stirred and this occasioned some backing off by the cows. Getting up slowly, I continued my walk and was immediately followed and then flanked by the five cows. they ambled and tossed their heads and I felt that they were guiding me around their complex of paths, scratching trees and resting places. Soon up ahead I could see the rest of the herd, and one of my accompanying animals made a noise I hadn't heard from them before. the five we were approaching looked up from their grazing and watched.

I felt at once invisible and part of the herd. The rest of the herd greeted their friends with much tossing of heads and I continued on my walk, feeling somewhat changed by the experience. walking transforms us in so many ways, today walking allowed me to get closer and become, for a time, part of a herd of cows.

More Work from the last Artwalk

Gemma Seltzer came on the last walk and made this drawing at the stop, it was a great day and it is always fascinating to see how many different approaches people have to the same place. Do people vote for more Artwalks next year?

ARTISTS IMPROVISE EASILY

Anja Eichen made this piece just out of paper making creases to represent one of the trees within the triangular earthwork. A good artist can improvise and use what is around them. 

I have many more examples of this to follow. Trees provide inspiration and materials all we need is to spend some time with them.

RED BRACKEN

This picture made by Suke has that strange duality, that even though the colour is very obviously false,  there is only a secondary realisation that there has been an inversion from green to red.

The last Artwalk lingers with me as a hot day and this image matches that feeling.

Nick Joubinaux Made this image of an oak with a heart shaped hole in it during the last Artwalk. It is one of the fire damaged trees within the triangular shaped earthwork on Ashtead common. This is a place I always want to stop and sit or draw when I am walking the commons. It has had a drastic haircut so it is a bit bald at the moment.

I hope to be back there soon.

BEST TURNOUT YET

We had a great turnout today 16 humans and one Bailey. Bailey especially enjoyed the day, meeting other dogs and generally being well behaved and even adding to the talking bits by barking at the right time. There was a lot to talk about, and some wonderful drawings were made, which I will post up next week, after a bit of a rest. Thanks to all who came.

Woodcock corner, a place that is at the boundary between Epsom and Ashtead commons, Newton wood and fields to the North. When I get to this point on my walks there is a feeling of arrival and immersion. I can't explain it, but it is like diving into cold clear water, both familiar and strange.

It is called Woodcock corner because they used to shoot them there, so now there are none, strange how that happens.

It isn't long now till the last Artwalk on the 1st of September, see you there