Carousel Goat c. 1938

Donald Donovan's "Carousel Goat" is a whirligig of color and form, a vibrant slice of Americana. Look at the way Donovan coaxes the goat out of the material, carving and painting with a real sense of play. The texture is key here, isn't it? You can almost feel the grain of the wood, the way the paint sits on the surface, thick in some places, thin in others. I love the way the red harness pops against the muted grays of the goat’s body. And check out the little details like the carved saddle, each one telling a story. The whole piece is alive with energy! It's like Donovan is winking at us, inviting us to take a ride on his imagination. This goat reminds me a bit of Red Grooms, with its playful spirit and handmade feel. Like Grooms, Donovan isn't afraid to embrace the rough edges, to let the process show. Ultimately, it’s up to us to fill in the gaps, to make the goat our own.