Chieftain In A Hot Spot
Andy Frost 1985
The Chieftain, or more specifically, his head, sat atop the giant rock on the forest road up towards Bogle Crag, a stretch which was also home to two more of Frost's works. It was unmissable if you were walking up the hill, but you could be forgiven for not noticing it from the back. The rockface presented a challenge for anyone wanting a closer look (although there is a path around the back that is a bit easier) and was later the site of one of the parts of Mary Low's 'Charcoal Art'.
Here is Andy Frost's evocative description of the Chief, from Bill Grant and Paul Harris' 'The Grizedale Experience':
"Due to the warmth and heavy rainfall most days, the forest had mist rising from the trees giving the impression of a vast forest fire. From this apparition, the forest sculpture utilising a high rocky outcrop emerging from a coniferous back drop. Perched on the outcrop I constructed an artificial fire, coloured with polyester resin, emitting carved smoke signals. From one viewpoint on the forest track, the Chieftain frowns at the thought of Lakeland rain quenching the flames."
Also by this artist:
Shootin' Moose 1985
Adventure Playground 1987
Stag Herd Roof 1994
Photograph by Mike Oram