Spur c. 1940

Robert W.R. Taylor made this watercolor, ink, and graphite artwork depicting a spur. The spur, forged from metal and leather, is not just an object; it's a testament to a way of life. The metal, likely steel, speaks to the industrial revolution and the rise of mass production. Consider the labor involved in its creation – the mining of ore, the smelting, the forging, and the intricate assembly. The spur's design is functional, intended to be attached to the rider's boot. It allowed cowboys to communicate with their horse through subtle, precise movements. The leather strap, the metal band, and the rowel create a complex interplay of form and function. The spur, in its construction and use, embodies the intersection of man, animal, and landscape. This unassuming object invites us to consider how work, landscape, and identity intertwine, challenging conventional notions of art and craft.