Month: September 2012

“The Mystery of Cats” Gallery Exhibit

The Mystery of Cats painting by BZTAT
“The Mystery of Cats” painting by BZTAT

Cats have been the source of legends, myths and mysteries for thousands of years. The same qualities that have inspired magical imaginations about cats for centuries also inspire me artistically.

In “The Mystery of Cats”, an exhibit of new paintings at Second April Galerie, I take a direct look at their mystery and the qualities that make cats, particularly black cats, so intriguing.

There is a psychological depth to cats that is both alluring and intriguing, and this makes them an interesting focus for artwork. Cats can be very loving and tender, but they can also be independent and self assured. They have a paradoxical character that makes them very interesting as companions and also great subjects for artistic inspiration.

The exhibit is both playful and evocative, with colorful images of spirited felines in different environments. A serious message is conveyed by these stately creatures, however.

Although fun and colorful, the paintings also implore us to reconsider the myths that claim that black cats are evil and connected to a sordid subculture.

Because of the legends connecting black cats to bad luck, they often are innocent victims of a society that casts them off or leaves them vulnerable to abuse. Black cats  not only fall prey to mischief-makers seeking to cause mayhem around Halloween, they also are unlucky in finding homes.

Around the world, animal shelters consistently report that black cats are often passed over for other cats by people looking to adopt a new pet.

“The Mystery of Cats” artworks and messages that go with them encourage viewers to enjoy the mystery of cats, yet they also challenge us to respect that cats are wonderful pets and worthy of our compassion.

The artworks will be on display at Second April Galerie at 324 Cleveland Ave., Canton, OH beginning First Friday (October 5, 2012) and will remain through October 27. If you are in Canton, I hope you will stop in and see them.

In conjunction with the exhibit, I will hold a “Create-a-thon” on Thursday, October 18, where I will create artworks in the gallery for 12 hours (9 am – 9 pm). The works created during the Create-a-thon will be auctioned to raise money for the latest Okey’s Promise: Art for a Cause project.

More info will be forthcoming about the Create-a-thon. Also, “The Mystery of Cats” artworks will be posted for sale here on the website soon. Stay tuned!

 

Tribute: Prayer for September 11, 2001

Drawing September 11 tribute
Artwork by BZTAT
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Prayer for September 11, 2001

Dear God,
Today a part of my land
And a part of my people
Was reduced to a cloud of
Smoke, rubble and dust.

As the pain and dust linger,
Please help me to join hands
In peace, not rage,
With other spirits
Who seek to rise above.

I wrote this prayer on September 11, 2001, filled with sadness and both hope at the same time. I share it each year here in hopes that peace will  prevail in our world someday.
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Today, I again join hands with kindred spirits.
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Why I share my cats' photos on Facebook

Okey white cat photo
“Okey” photo by BZTAT

Every morning I awaken to an assortment of furry faces staring at me in anticipation of breakfast. Of course all of my cats are the best examples of feline beauty to ever meow on this earth. But usually one sticks out in its extraordinary catness each day.

Before I am fully awake, I reach for my iPhone and I start snapping photos.

Then I share the most endearing photo on Facebook. Within seconds, I start getting alerts to “Likes” and comments on the photo. It goes on all day, and sometimes continues into the next day.

I’ve read articles by so-called social media experts suggesting that you should not post too many pet or baby photos on Facebook. They say it annoys people. They obviously don’t know me or my Facebook friends.

I am a serial “Liker” of baby and candid pet photos, and my friends seem to be too.

Here is the real reason I share my cats’ photos.

Although my studio is a few paces from my home, I still spend many hours away from my cats each day. When I share a photo of the sweet moment I have with them in the morning, I take it with me all day, and it keeps me close to them.

Each time I get an alert that someone “liked” or commented on the photo, it makes me smile. I need those extra smiles some days.

I guess the photo makes my friends smile too. What’s the harm in that?