Animal Influence I - Antennae The Journal of Nature in Visual Culture

WOLF is a gallery based piece of work that came into being whilst Iain was developing
mixed media moving images to accompany a live performance of music by Stephen
Davismoon based on text by Johnny Rodger, which was performed at the Sonic Fusion
Festival (Edinburgh) in 2008, and Vanishing Boundaries (Glasgow/Salford) in 2011.
The Wolf species was chosen for this concert work due to contemporary debates about
whether Scotland should reintroduce this feared species back into our remote parks
and highlands.
WOLF has a very sparse aesthetic, derived from the speed necessitated to draw the
animal from life on location. This continues a practice of drawing and animation which
Iain started whilst a student; engaged with a philosophy of contemplating and
observing our wild neighbours in order to pursue an understanding and respect for other
creatures on their own worth, as opposed to how, as a society, we exploit animal kind
either as a resource or as a form of surrogate company. Our relations with animals tend
to be about what they can do for us, with little regard for their needs.
Such a methodology also allows the animated sequence to self evolve, as the artist
reacts to a given moment and experience – animation usually is carefully prepared
and considered. This spontaneous approach reflects Iain’s fascination with the process
of evolution which has shaped the world we live in.
Merritt Johnson
Escape Attempt, metallic air in pursuit, oil and alkyd on panel, 2011 Merritt Johnson
Ian Gardner
Wolf, observational study of Wolf Pack at the Highland Wildlife Park in Kinross, Scotland Ian Gardner
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