the many universal joints on a skidder
Acrylic on masonite, 30 x 17 inches (2008)

Perhaps I should explain what is being shown here: it's a detail of the mechanical parts of a log skidder. Those are the big, ugly machines that haul the felled trees out of the forest to an area where the trees are hauled away by large trucks, or cut to 8 foot lengths first, and THEN hauled away by large trucks.

Also known as tree farmers and cable skidders, they are manufactured by a number of industrial machine companies such as Caterpillar and John Deere. They have huge tires - often with chains for traction - and growl and climb over rock, valley and other obstructions in the way of progress. Not intended as pretty - BMW doesn't make any (yet) - the wear and tear of thrashing about in the bush soon scrapes away the best paint jobs. These muscular monsters are used rain or shine, snow or mud, hauling trees to a landing or depot.

The painting shows the details of several universal joints that are used for power distribution to the wheels and hydraulic pumps. The yellow chipped metalwork is one skidder, while the reddish bits are parts of a second skidder in the background.

You may ask why one would choose this as a painting subject? Well, it's the innate beauty of all things: grease, dirt, oil and chipping paint should not be exempt.

Please do not reproduce the images in this display.
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