Turpenoff, Katie (2014)

Steel, Hardware Cloth, Baby Bottle  

69.6” x 96” x 24”

• My work has always been about animals, and bringing to light the issues about which not everyone is aware. Mother Earth’s Milk is a statement about dairy cows. The title itself breaks down the concept of the piece. The word “Mother” refers to the fact that all milk produced by dairy cows is mother’s milk. Like humans, cows only produce milk after they have given birth, and dairy cows must give birth to one calf per year in order to continue producing milk. The steel used to create the cow’s body is referencing this conceptual cage that the cows are secluded within allowing them to do nothing but produce milk. The word “Earth” references the fact that cows’ milk is everywhere. Cows’ milk is a basic staple in almost every diet in the world. I filled the cow with over 1,500 baby bottles to reference a tiny fragment of the people that drink milk. Finally, the word “Milk” is meant to talk about the process that the cows go through to continuously produce milk. Milking machines present a problem because there is not enough time in a day to properly move a milking machine on and off the cows in factory farm because there are too many. When a milking machine is moved improperly the cow’s udder is slowly destroyed, and when the udder stops working the cow is sent to slaughter.

  The bright colors and the fun cow shape create a happy feeling, because when taken care of cows are naturally happy creatures. I understand that not everyone can save a cow, but there are small things that help, such as, drinking soy; almond milk; or simply switching to organic. Small changes to diet can stop supporting factory farms, the main monsters of the piece. The sculpture is there to make you think, and to bring a gentle and sweet animal into the limelight.

• Katie's work was part of the Sculpture on Campus (S.o.C.) program. The Program allows 12 students per year to design and install outdoor sculpture throughout the campus. Students receive a stipend and the benefit of proposing, designing, and installing major sculptural works that are on view for a full year. A Sculpture Walk and Tour is held each semester.

  • Contact the Art & Design Department at (618) 650-3071 for more information.