Although my artwork explores many themes, painting animals is my greatest joy and passion. Animals connect with our spirits in a way that humans cannot, and that phenomenon is a constant wonder to me. Animals also have a way of revealing the most human qualities in us, a paradox that continually amazes me.

Knowing that animals are a favored theme in my artwork, you can imagine my excitement when I was asked by my friend and fellow artist Tom Wachunas to be a part of an animal themed art exhibit at Gallery 6000 at the the Kent State University Stark Campus!

I created 5 artworks for the “Animal Instincts” exhibit, each one exploring a different element of style. The works range from whimsical playfulness to a more pop art style of pet portraiture. Two paintings take on a deeper psychological exploration, one in a paradoxical whimsy; the other through a colorful exuberance balanced with a somewhat cryptic title. All are painted with acrylic paint on wood.

“The Boss” (see picture above)—Anyone who lives with cats must learn quickly who is the Boss, and it certainly is not the human of the household. This painting of the ultimate Alpha cat of my own household, Brewskie Butt, takes a humorous look at the feline-human dynamic that “cat people” know all too well.

“Predatory Instincts”—This work takes a playful look at one of our most basic instincts. To some extent, we are all predators at heart. In this picture, the cat spies the fish, his typical object of desire, yet it is not clear who will be the winner in this scenario. Will the cat capture the fish and enjoy a tasty dinner, or will he doom himself to ridicule as he fails in his attempt to overpower another? All too often, our predatory instinct becomes our undoing—not our nourishment.

“The Look”—In recent months, I have developed a somewhat new style in order to capture the essence of actual animals in commissioned pet portraits. The new style has been described as Pop Art by some. It is a little more hard-edged and descriptive, yet still non-literal. Most of these paintings still have my characteristic bright colors, however, this particular painting did not lend itself so well to that. I kept the colors more monochrome because the painting dictated it. The animal depicted is a friend’s Border Collie named Rosie. (Rosie’s”human” has requested to purchase her painting at the conclusion of the exhibit).

“Anonymous”—This work is reminiscent of a smaller painting that I created for an earlier series entitled “Anonymous Feline Spirits”. The earlier series has 4 cat images painted in a similar ghostly fashion with a limited palette. All of the works reflect upon the callousness of communities that fail to invest in spay-neuter programs to control feral feline populations, instead euthanizing healthy animals needlessly. It is a very sad commentary on our society that we chose to eliminate animals instead of helping to manage them in their habitats in effective ways. I grieve for the anonymous spirits of these lost animals.

“Survivor”—As a child, I grew up next to a horse farm, and I drew many pictures of horses in my youth. This work, however, is my first formal painting of a horse. I have been inspired by equine artist friends in the Canton Arts District, and I wanted to challenge myself to take on an image that was new to me.

This particular horse has a story of survival that has moved me deeply. The horse depicted is an actual animal that twice fell into the hands of people who mistreated and neglected her. Twice rescued, she has required considerable patience and compassion to restore her to health and beauty. Her current owner understands her well, as she too has a story of survival that is moving and inspiring. Both have amazed me in their zest for life, emerging from the direst of circumstances to not only survive, but also to thrive. The will to survive is, perhaps, the most astounding of animal instincts.

Kent State University Stark is proud to host the Gallery 6000 exhibit, entitled “Animal Instincts”. The exhibit, which is open to the public, is displayed in The University Center (Professional Education and Conference Center), 6000 Frank Avenue NW in Jackson Township.

The Animal Instincts exhibit will be on display from September 1 through November 20. Each of the displayed pieces is for sale.

Kent State Stark will host an opening reception on Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Rebecca DeHart at 330-244-3518 or rdehart@kent.edu. The reception is free and open to the public. Representatives of the press are encouraged to attend.

Animal Instincts features the distinctive visions of four artists who are passionate about the animal kingdom. While each artist has a unique visual approach, all four communicate not only a clear appreciation of the character and beauty of the animals they depict, but also a personal sense of stewardship.

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

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Art Adventures Studios
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Art Adventures Studios, located in downtown Canton, OHnear Second April Galerie and the historic Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography.

We often use the words, “awful”, “sad”, tragic”, “horrible disease”, etc. when we talk about Alzheimer’s Disease. I don’t.

My life has been significantly altered by Alzheimer’s Disease. In 2004, it became clear that my mother was afflicted by Alzheimer’s, and I moved her to Ohio from her beloved Houston, TX. She was not happy with the move, but ever the resilient phoenix, she adjusted. Having her as a more active part of my life and being responsible for her care were adjustments for me as well.

My mother lived in an independent living facility for four years until she needed a higher level of care and was moved to a nursing home in 2008. Her constant companion, Kitty Kat Who (named after the Lillian Jackson Braun murder mystery series) lived with her for those four years until the move to the nursing home. Kitty Kat Who came to live with me and my three cats. Until today, Mama and “Who” had not seen each other since their moves to different homes.

Today, they were reunited for a brief moment.

After researching ideas for a commissioned artwork for an Alzheimer’s organization, I spontaneously decided to bring my mother to my art studio for the first time ever, and I brought her beloved kitty in to visit. I wasn’t sure what would happen.

The look on my mother’s face and her utterance of “MY KITTY!” when she saw her cat assured me that she clearly recognized him. And despite the fact that he was completely disoriented by being in a new place, he warmed to her instantly. He endured holding and petting from her that he will not allow me even when he is comfortable. I was nothing short of amazed.

I guess, it makes sense, though. I have always been amazed by my mother. She has always been my idol.

Despite the fact that she had a difficult childhood, experienced unfulfilled dreams of being great at SOMETHING, and fell into motherhood without really having a calling for it, she always found a way to come out on top. She was intelligent, creative and gifted in social exchanges–all the things I wanted to be.

Motherhood was not easy on her or her three children. But she succeeded despite herself. Two of her offspring have raised amazing children of their own, and all have excelled in their respective careers.

Alzheimer’s is an insidious disease, and I feel strongly that further research is needed to combat it at every level. That said, I do not believe that we should write off those who are coping with it, and surviving it, as lost souls in the twilight of their lives.

My mother is a vibrant and active individual. She goes through the routines of her day as she struggles to cope with the daily challenges before her. Although often nonsensical, she converses with others and engages in social interaction at every possible opportunity. She is vulnerable, and she is afflicted. But she has dignity, and she has purpose. And most days, she has peace.

My mother has lost much. She no longer has the intellect she once had, and her memory is a wash. Although still very social, she lacks the grace and instinct she once had in conversational banter. Once very adventurous in creative activity, she now gets anxious and frustrated whenever I seek to engage her in some artistic activity.

But my mother is not defined by what she has lost. We are all defined by what we have gained, and what we have maintained, but most of all, what we have passed on to others.

My mother has passed on a lot to my siblings and me. A love for animals. A love for intellect. A love for creativity. A love for life.

Loss is inconsequential in the face of such gain.

I do not know if I will bring my mother back to the studio again to see her kitty. Such trips away from her home can be hard on her. Bringing them back together for this one moment, though, reminded me of how animals can bring us back to the most important parts of our being. They touch our souls in a way that cannot be forgotten.

There is ugliness in Alzheimer’s Disease, but there is also beauty. I thank my mother and her cat for helping me see the beauty today.

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

Follow works in progress by BZTAT on Twitter by searching #bztatptg.

Art Adventures Studios
Buy Artwork and Gifts by BZTAT
Art Adventures Studios, located in downtown Canton, OHnear Second April Galerie and the historic Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography.

I use this space to discuss issues relevant to the arts and artists, so I generally avoid discussion of political “hot” topics. There is one issue, however, that is gaining attention in the political and cultural landscape that is of great significance to artists. That is the issue of health care reform.

This article (link below) from Americans for the Arts demonstrates the need for affordable health care for self employed artists in the United States. I am one of the artists who currently has no access to an affordable health care program because of my semi-self-employed status. I hope that you will consider the points made by this coalition of arts organizations on behalf of artists.

Coalition of Arts Groups Issue Urgent Call to Congress for Health care Reform

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