Dear Deer

Dear Deer (2017)

Artist: Janet Austin

Media: Welded steel, rust patina

Dimensions: 9' H x 9' W x 2' D

Location: 700 Deerfield Road, Deerfield IL

This gawky adolescent deer is preparing to go out into the world.
The armor has the following poem, which offers advice on getting along in the world of man:

DEAR DEER
DEAR MY HART, MY HIND

 LISTEN MY HART WITH INNER DEER EAR
TO UNSPOKEN SUBTLE MOVEMENTS
OH KIND HIND KNOW THE BOUNDARIES
FOR YOU ARE THE BEAST WHICH HE SHALL EAT

 CHOOSE SPEED AND HORN AND HOOF
CHOOSE THE WOOD AND NOT THE PRINCE
THE CREPUSCULAR CRAVINGS
OF CHARD AND STRAWBERRIES BRING FENCES
AND ROADS BRING HEADLIGHTS