Sprickle

By James Gould

On exhibit through June 15th, 2025.

Constructed primarily with reclaimed wood and metal, Sprickle draws inspiration from neglected structures like barns and outbuildings that have been left to weather and disintegrate. Pieces of the structure are intentionally missing, creating a visual celebration of light and shadow meant to evoke our agricultural heritage, places of shelter and perhaps even a spirit house. Standing at some 15′ tall, but with a narrow base, Sprickle is both imposing and playful, inviting viewers to ponder why it exists, what purpose it serves, and whether it’s a work in progress, or something in decline.

Listen to James discuss Sprickle with host Matthew Chase-Daniel on the “Coffee and Culture” podcast.

“I’m intrigued with the role these structures play when no longer in the service of storing hay or housing animals,” said Gould. “The echo of being ‘once useful’ spurs contemplation about the fleeting nature of existence, the concerns of humans weighed against the gravity of time. My hope is that Sprickle will invite this sense of wonder, by stirring memories and associations, or by simply being a visual delight.”

Sprickle is supported in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, by the National Endowment for the Arts, and by the City of Santa Fe’s Arts and Culture Department.

Photos courtesy of Zach Chambers.