offwithhisfavouritecows

    is the final book in a series of artists' books produced after the exhibition  "Murphy’s Place". The artwork demonstrates a sensitivity to both materials and subject allowing the nature of Murphy’s relationship with his farm to direct the making of the work. Using elements from the earlier artists books this work relies on the structure of the book to achieve both formal and conceptual resolutions. Poignant features in Murphy’s understanding of the farm become currents in the work. For example Dry paddock Hill is the location of an uneasy tussle between Murphy and his cows when he begins the separation of calf from cow. Cows hide their calves in the long grass and Murphy climbs trees to spot the calves. Cycles of searching & finding are a common thread in Murphy’s interaction with the land. They run parallel with his deep affinity for his cows and his passion for bike riding.