'Sheep art' gives struggling farmers 'something to smile about'

The secret to the pair's art is strategically placed feed on the ground.
The secret to the pair's art is strategically placed feed on the ground. Photo credit: lucycoleman03 / Instagram

Think of sheep and the first word that comes to mind probably isn't 'art'.

But for farmer Garth Coleman and his daughter Lucy living on a farm is no excuse not to be creative.

The pair have spent their time recently herding sheep into all sorts of forms, from easter eggs to koru - all in the name of art.

Lucy, who is currently completing her PhD in animal sciences, says she was inspired to make the art after seeing fellow farmers suffering during drought conditions throughout the summer.

"As a result of the lack of grass due to the drought, we've had to put our animals on supplementary feed to ensure they are healthy and happy," says Lucy.

"One day I was out on the farm and saw Dad had 'drawn' the word 'Hi' into the side of the hill and it all went from there really. There is no doubt the last few months have been challenging but you get through it all with a bit of fun like this, giving people something to smile about."

Lucy says the secret to the pair's art is strategically placed feed on the ground, which helps control where the sheep move to.

The response so far to the art - which Lucy has shared on her Instagram - has been overwhelmingly positive.

"This is amazing and such a good feel buzz," one person commented.

And though Garth and Lucy may be at top of the field so far in their niche art form, they may soon have competition - with the call out for other farmers to make their own art in time for National Lamb Day on May 24.