Untitled (sphere) is probably among the best-known works of Alastair Mackie and is exemplary of his working method: a meticulous sculpture created as the result of the transformation of found materials of the Cornish countryside. Its beauty lies in a perfect geometric shape and in the astonishing feeling of vulnerability that emanates not only from the manner of assembly but also from the evident iconography. There is palpable yet unresolved tension. As in most of Mackie's works, Untitled (sphere)'s ambiguity is also its strength. "The owl, having swallowed its prey whole, slowly digests the nourishing, softer parts. It then regurgitates the indigestible bones, feathers and fur in the form of a pellet. To create his sculpture Alastair Mackie extracts mouse skulls from the pellets. With meticulous craftsmanship he turns this natural product into an object of fascination, beauty and scientific curiosity. A hint of the initial violence lingers in the fragility of the work."