Small Flower Landscape

	Artist: William Brotherston
	Title: Small Flower Landscape
	Year: c.1975
	Medium: painted brass
	Dimensions:
	Suggested topic: natural environment
	Source: RSA
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© the artist
Description: William Brotherston was born in Edinburgh, and is a lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art, where he has taught sculpture since 1979. He generally works on a small scale, and produces simple pieces that are usually cast in bronze. They do not represent specific objects but contain references to the objects in the world around us. In this piece, Small Flower Landscape, there are stylised flower heads and other outlines that are suggestive of landscape forms, such as rounded hills and curves of trees. There is no front or back to this piece and it should be viewed by looking closely at it from many angles. This delicate form is composed of several distinct pieces that resemble familiar objects but that have not been directly copied.The title indicates that the subject is related to flowers and landscape. Does it matter that we cannot actually see a recognisable landscape or a familiar flower? There are shapes that are reminiscent of a daffodil, or a flight of stairs. Even without those elements, can this still be appreciated as a flower landscape? Can this piece be appreciated even without the title?Technically, the casting process would be complicated as there are several voids. The slender curving uprights may have presented challenges as well, as they are supporting the heavier masses at the top of the piece. Balancing such a piece with overhanging sections and long extensions clearly takes some skill. The brass has been painted to give a glossy black finish. The surface of the piece has been smoothed to create soft highlights and an even overall texture. Like all artworks it has formal qualities which can be enjoyed without knowing anything about the subject matter. How do you see this piece relating to the real world in your imagination? What formal qualities do you find interesting about the piece?