Visual Studies: Sheep Skull // Alberto Giacometti & Willem de Kooning

After exploring Alberto Giacometti’s work, I was intrigued by how he creates form and shape through the repetition of the continuous line. I wanted to use this approach to create a still life piece of work from a sheep skull.

I chose a piece of brown card as an alternative to the standard white paper but also to represent a natural element that we come from the ground, and that’s where we end up. Furthermore, I chose to differ my materials from Giacometti (he used a black pen) by using white chalk which correlates to the stereotypical colour of skulls. These materials combine to create a contrasting piece that stands out and draws the viewer in.

I feel as though the messy lines create a dangerous presence that makes you see the strength this animal would have shown during altercations and lifestyle activities. I like how the lines form texture to show strength, especially in the horns where this skill would be very important in its function to protect and fight.

What was difficult with this material was how to create a 3D form using white. I know I could have had denser areas of white, however, the outcome just isn’t the same as using black where you can create a gradual gradient. Initially, it is difficult to distinguish the elements of the skull, however upon further evaluation, the image becomes clearer.

This outcome was fairly successful however the chalk smudges, which causes the symbolism of strength to disintegrate, so if I were to do this again, I would use an alternative material. That being said, the skull itself is old and fragile compared to how it used to be when it was alive, so maybe in actual fact, the material is a perfect representation of the skull’s life cycle.

I decided to improve this study using my feedback to create a photocopied version that used dip pen and ink with inspiration from Willem de Kooning.

I like Willem’s work because of the use of lines to create abstract shape and movement throughout the piece. The smudged yet detailed theme through his work resonated with my drawing which is why I chose to add crisp black accents to my smudgy drawing. I think this adds further depth to the drawing and helps the viewer distinguish the contours and features of the skull better than before.

I used this ‘extra layer’ of media to symbolise how the sheep’s function is impaired, now that it’s dead. I wanted to show that our bodies elements live harmoniously together, therefore if one is disrupted, the whole system is impacted. A skull is useless without a body, let alone any organs, which is why adding to this drawing, added to my concept more than just making it look better and pushing my skill level.