Drill as Dance

Screenshot from the Gerhard Richter Instagram account

When I was about 15 or 16 years old, I discovered the artwork of Gerhard Richter.

I was drawn in by the buzzy glow of light and the electric pace of color and line. Richter’s work invites you to feel the atmosphere as much (if not more) than see it. And, those early impressions of Richter’s work come through in the experimental work I practice today…through the blurred lines and play with light. I love trying to capture and translate the feeling of the heartbeat of horse and rider in movement through these elements of design.

And, I think…the reason I love the Drill event so much is because Drill is so emotional. It feels like a dance. In Drill, the rhythm of riding patterns creates an emotional charge…there is a heartbeat to the whole performance. Just like in dancing, riders don’t just see where their partners are, they must feel where they are. There is a lead, a follow, and a syncing of steps. And, like in Richter’s work, the Drill event invites the spectator to dance with the pace of the performance, or art being made.

So, below are some recent snaps from the Central District OHSET Meet 3 Drill event (mid-April 2024) when I worked on my rusty panning skills…trying to convey the fluidity, beauty, and life force of the show.

Teams: Culver/Madras, Sisters, Caldera, Mountainview, Crook