The Call Of The Wild

by Michael R Hayter · Bristol, GB

A red stag stands looking out at us, whilst the outstretched arms of a small figure who is obscured by the deer, are thrown open as if demanding attention from us. On the ground behind the stag lies the body, or possibly just the skin, of some hairy humanoid creature. A tree, bereft of leaves, but possessing hands instead, stands behind and to the right of the stag, one hand reaching forward to grab the stag by his antler. This piece was inspired by the sense that old family ties, which include expectations and duties, can feel like a holding back of its members against personal freedom and therefore individuation. The tree is literally ‘the family tree’, the stag a symbol of autonomy, personal power and freedom. Maybe the hairy humanoid, discarded skin is the ‘semi-human’, i.e., un-individuated family member, who has been left behind….