Animal Artist
Well, not precisely. We aren't talking about animals as artists, but an artist friend that draws and paints amazing animals.
This week has been going by quickly. I’m not sure I would have found time to pause for breath if not for our pets. Aki, Beleth, Crokell, and Dante make sure I don’t forget to take at least some kind of break. Between Aki’s Meow of Doom, Beleth’s playful cuddles, Crokell’s long, thoughtful looks, and Dante’s wild energy, there is always something to do when I get home that isn’t work-related.
This weekend, however, we made time to visit our friend—Dante’s first “mom,” who raised him for the first few months. She also happens to be a wonderful artist (https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcreations/). She created some beautiful artwork of Aki and Beleth for us.
She even tried to teach me how to use scissors. Something I’ve been banned from doing at work! I’m not known for being able to cut a straight line, even if I can code one or pipette minuscule amounts. Scissors defy me, and don’t ask about drawing. I’m not sure she succeeded with the scissor lessons, but I do know what I’ll be working on for the next decade, if only so I can start grooming Crokell and Dante “correctly”. Good thing the goal is for it not to look like the fur was cut—it might give me a chance!
Either way, I wanted to show off her wonderful artwork, since these are the first lifelike images I’ve had drawn of our pets.
Aki - Demanding her treats
I love how she captured Aki’s expression. I mean, who else would know that this cat is just about to yowl and tell her human slaves to start doing their job?
Beleth- Ready for a cuddle
She really drew Beleth—he looks ready for his close-up. I don’t think any of our animals is more prepared for prime time than Beleth. I’m glad to have an image that captures the way he’ll stare you down until you pet him or pick him up. I can almost hear his rumbling purr… Oh, wait—that might be because he’s on my feet right now.
Deep Breath Creations
I thought we should include a little information about her as well. We scanned one of her flyers (as well as the images above, with her permission). I really love much of her work, and if I had the time and money, I think I would try to fill my house with even more of it.
After all, her work truly comes to life. I just need to convince her to draw cats in space and other oddities that our minds invent. I have always loved how artists can turn a line into a memory and an image into a heartbeat. Hopefully, our words and creations will do the same someday.
Check out more of her work her: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcreations/
Chaos Tip of the Week
Whenever you find yourself stuck, unable to think of anything new or creative, stop. Take that break you promised yourself. Play with your pet. Walk the dog or the cat. Watch them pounce on fun. It will remind you why you’re creating in the first place.
Chaos Question of the Week
What’s your favorite way to include your pet in your creative process? Do they act as muse, model, or mischievous assistant? (
, we suspect we know your answer. LOL)I know for us, Dante has the Mischief, while Aki is the muse that usually refuses to be captured. Beleth and Crokell do their parts too - as you can see in different stories.
You know it, Tod, Anna. 😁 The Feline-muse has muse in her title, but she's also model for several characters and works as my minder to stop and pet her and ideate story ideas. The Swamp-doodle is model and minder. "Come play!" He bounces around with an antler in his mouth, asking me to chase him. 🐕