As the name implies this cow had an injury, and like many of us humans, we also have some scaring on our skin. From scars after surgery, to falling off our skateboards or bikes as kids, to unwanted warts and slipping with the kitchen knife when cutting lettuce. All these scars tell a story about our lives, and although they were unwanted at the time and may or may not effect us to this day, they do form part of our life’s story.

As with the Butt 2041 stool I wanted to make another piece that used the leather as the legs and the American ash timber as the top. I wanted to challenge our association with leather as being a supple luxury material. As well as challenging our perception of structurally sound materials, by placing a heavy material (timber) on top with a light thin material (leather) as the structure.

Through this boiling leather process I learnt a lot, including letting go of my desire to control a process. I had to let the leather form its own landscape. I could hold parts of it to a shape, but what I did not hold down tight, the leather had a mind of its own as to where it would lay to rest.

Once I let go of control, the fulfillment I felt at being immersed in a process where the outcome was unknown was an absolute joy. Below are some images of the process for this piece:

— NOT FOR SALE —

This project was supported by Creative New Zealand: