With the arrival of autumn, the hunting season begins. Combining the skills of a tracker with an expert in herbs is something I have always held dear. As one walks silently through the forest, nature reveals its secrets. I follow the trails laid down by the animals to find myself in their natural habitat.
I swap the hustle and bustle of busy, smog filled concrete streets for the fragrance of the forest, filling my lungs with its fresh air. I experience a concept which is alien to many people today - that life does not have to be reduced to scrolling images on a phone in between working hours.
A good hunter does not work alone. He sometimes uses tracking dogs. He also shares his knowledge with others and experiences nature in the community. In this way, over the centuries, hunting culture has developed specific tools that relate to hunting and make a stay in the forest more pleasant. One is the ‘kulawka’ - a cup without a base which is impossible to put down without drinking the contents first. It is hung on a cord and worn around the neck.
I made the following project with the image of a rough-haired dachshund, which is one of the oldest breeds of hunting dogs. Despite its small size, a dachshund's cleverness, courage, diligence, and stubbornness cannot be denied. The head, made of blackened silver, has been profiled and placed in such a way that it is pleasant to hold. The insert was made as a separate piece in yellow ore. Its smooth and clean form contrasts beautifully with the deep texture of the dog's fur.