Why I share my cats' photos on Facebook

“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?

August 23, 2012

Look what the cat drug in…

Studio cat in front of Brewskie Butt painting by BZTAT

There are hundreds and thousands and perhaps millions of homeless cats in the world. I know my limits. I may not be able to help even a fraction of them, as much as I would like to.

But certain cats march into your life and demand attention, and you simply cannot ignore them.

I have no name yet for this cat. I am a firm believer that cats earn their names, so I am willing to let this one tell its story before a name is granted.

Here is the story so far, as I know it.

As I was preparing for a late night of painting last night, a fellow artist arrived at my studio door at 10:15 pm. Somewhat flustered, she explained that a cat had presented itself outside her studio a few doors down, and with a bit of coaxing, had walked inside. She knew that I was an animal advocate and had done some cat rescue, and she asked for my assistance in helping her with the small creature.

I knew I was better equipped to manage a cat than my friend was, so I brought it to my studio, gave it some food and water and set up a litter box. This cat is very thin and crawling with fleas, but it is also a very friendly and seeking love. Without hesitation it crawled into my lap and fell asleep. And despite its tendency to move around a lot (I suspect because of the fleas) it has a very calm sort of presence about it.

The cat meows quietly now and then, but in a sort of sweet way.

I have 5 cats, which is really 2 too many, so 6 is not really an option. But I think I can help get this creature to a home that will be blessed with its presence.

Will you help me?

UPDATE:

The cat has a home and new furrever pal!

Heath, who is a Kent State art student and new resident of the arts district has adopted her! Yay Heath!

Heath and his new purring pal!

It was love at first mew! Heath is on a student’s budget, so I might do a bit of fund raising for him to offset veterinary costs. But for right now, let’s just celebrate that two souls needing some love found each other on the Canton Arts District!

July 31, 2012

Revisiting an old painting and creating something new

Painting by BZTAT

I painted this painting several years ago, well before the days when I started signing my work BZTAT (c. 2001). It was purchased by my doctor from a gallery that no longer exists. At the time, I had not seen her but for a couple of times, and she did not recognize that she had bought a painting from a patient until she took it back to her office.

Now I, and her other patients get the pleasure of viewing it when they come to visit. Lucky for me in regards to my health, that doesn’t happen often.

My doctor has purchased other paintings from me since then, though. An avid dog lover, I have painted her pups’ portraits. And now, she has asked me to paint a companion piece to this one. How fun!

I used to paint and draw patterns and symbols like this a lot in the past. I am looking forward to giving it a go again.

Stay tuned!