I love the notion of recycling “garbage” into art, especially since so much of my recovery from bipolar disorder has involved repurposing a life trashed by mental illness into a newly beautiful one, demonstrating the dignity, determination, and drive needed to beat the odds.
In 2006 my cat Tashi died. I had loved her as a stray kitten, 7 weeks old, and she loved me through the worst of my illness, that is until I lost her after nearly 18 years of purrs and precious memories. However, toward the end of her life, Tashi could eat only canned cat food, so I determined to recycle the empty containers into art that imaged the lovely exchange we shared, the nourishment I provided her for the years of nurture she provided me.
I hope you enjoy this art, two pieces in particular made to remember a cat I adored.
The first–a wooden board that I painted with a purple and green checker board pattern–incorporates 10 empty cat food cans. I removed the labels and spray-painted the outside of 9 cans silver, before applying a lavender, high-gloss enamel to the inside. Only the bottom of the 10th yellow can faces outward to create visual interest.
Now close-up shots of a few individual cans–
First, a yellow antique button attached to the top of soda lid painted to match:
Next, a circle cut from a Godiva chocolate box and affixed to a larger circle of sunflower paper:
A center square, cut from Waffle House coupons, and attached to a circle of feminist text about language:
Lady bug ribbon attached to a felt-covered circle of cardboard:
A series of concentric circles–calicoed, texted, and Barnes & Noble labeled:
What matters most about art–the insight gleaned from looking at it:
The second mixed-media piece incorporates the labels from the cat food cans above, along with polymer clay beads and collaged scraps of junk mail:
This piece is based on principles of balance (as Tashi helped bring it to my so-often, out-of-balance moods) and mirroring (since she reflected the best parts of myself back to me and taught me to love myself unconditionally, as she did):
I made the beads from yellow, green, and red polymer clay baked in a toaster oven, while the “Have you seen us text” was cut from mailers for missing children:
The “still, small point of the turning world:”
And finally focusing on the center that is sanity, that is love, even the love of a feline:
Has an animal ever brought you comfort in a way nothing else could?
Have you ever memorialized a pet in a creative way?
Check out these other fun pet posts about the dogs I love:
Canines in Conical Hats: Lucy Does Vietnam
If you’ve written pet posts of your own, please leave links in the comments below.
Yes, to your first question. Lucy (cat) and Rosie (dog) are with me constantly. On really bad days, they lie close to me and seem to watch over me. This morning, I was struggling to get out of bed, and they impressed on me the need to prepare their breakfast! 🙂
No, to your second question. I’m not as creative as you. I do have a lot of photographs of our former pets that I want to do something with though.
Tashi was such a beautiful cat! Those incredible eyes in that colouring are stunning.
Kathy, I haven’t had the opportunity to comment on some of your recent posts, but I’ll do so on the weekend. I like the way that you’ve approached this “series” – taking individual topics or extracts from you journals and building your posts around them. It’s been very informative and at the same time very interesting to read.
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Lucy and Rosie sound delightful (I loved your Rosie posts)! Isn’t it amazing the way these little creatures love and nurture us!
ALso, Lisa, please don’t feel like you need to comment of recent posts, if you feel bad. I know your migraines are debilitating now. Please take care of yourself, and I will love hearing from you when you feel up to it.
You are a sweet friend–thanks so much for reading my blog from the beginning! Hugs to you, Lisa!
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Lisa, if you happen to read this comment, would you mind stopping by with links to the “Jet Set Puppy” posts. I think readers who enjoy this post, might enjoy those, as well.
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The “jet-set puppy” series starts with this post http://wp.me/pYuZP-BY and then there are links to the following posts at the end.
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Great, Lisa. Thanks for the link———————
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Tashi was gorgeous! Cats (and dogs) are amazing creatures, and I can’t image life without them. I’ve done several blog posts of my own on cats, including a series on cats who have lived with me — one of whom shares my chair as I write. And I really enjoy the photos of your art, Kathy.
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Thanks so much. I think she was beautiful, too, but then again I might be biased. Would you mind stipping back by with links to you cat posts? I think it would be fun to provide links about other pets, as well.
I glad you are enjoying my art!
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Oh, jeez, Kathy, there have been a lot. Most recent was about my current senior cat, Ozzie, at http://jevcat.wordpress.com/2011/03/24/a-history-of-cats%E2%80%94mine-or-cat-chronicles-part-the-fourth-ozzie/ You can find the others by clicking on “Cats” in the word cloud on the right sidebar as you scroll down the page. It gives a list.
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Oh, cool! Thanks for the link/category info. Can’t wait to read about Ozzie—————–
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I prefer the second piece…vibrant colours, symmetry, geometric patterns…all stuff I love!
I love my dog, and the fact that he’s always happy to see me whether I’ve been gone for five minutes or a week!
Hugs,
Wendy
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That is indeed one of the best thing about dogs! Mine continue to adore me no matter my short-comings. Hope you have a great weekend, Wendy!
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Oh, lovely Tashi. Yes, I love the nice cat co much. Thanks for having been here, through the very nice site.
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Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment. Tashi was a very special cat–thank you! Hope you’ll come again. I appreciate your visit!
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Tashi looked like such a sweet spirit! I love how detailed and intricate these pieces are. You could stare and stare, come back tomorrow to stare some more, and always see something new. Absolutely beautiful!
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Thank you, dear Tori! She was a delightful cat–even if I do say so myself! And I’m so glad you enjoy this newer art–much happier than the older stuff. Take care, Tori—————–
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What a heartwarming tribute Kathy! I think this is what art should be: meaningful and memorable to the artist and viewer.
They say that if you open your heart, you get the pets that you need in that time of your life rather than the pet that you want. Reggie is an inspiration to me every day!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Jacqueline! You are absolutely right. I believe God sends purr-fect (sorry, couldn’t help myself!) pets into our lives at just the right time! Thanks so much for this comment. I agree that art is a beautiful way to remember—————–
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What a lovely way to remember your pet!
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Thanks, Charles–she was a sweetie!
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I love both pieces! You are so incredibly talented. I may have to do something creative now when it comes time to say goodbye to my dog(s), which hopefully will not happen too soon.
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Yes, hopefully your dogs will remain healthy for a long time to come. I’m so glad you enjoy these pieces. Have a great weekend, Lisa!
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How cool is that? (And, I am TOTALLY a cat person…) I love the artwordk…what a wonderful way to remember.
blessings
jane
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Thank you, Jane! I too am a cat person at heart, even though we only have dogs now. I’m so glad you enjoy the art!
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How creative, Kathy! I really like the geometric themes in these pieces– I’m all about bright colours, symmetry, and patterns. 🙂
Our pup brought us immeasurable joy until she passed away last year. We didn’t create any artwork to immortalize/honour her memory, but we did put up some photos of us together in our house, and we make special offerings (prayers, burning incense, etc.) at one of our favourite hiking spots every now and then.
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Ah, Dana, I remember reading about your dog. How wonderful what you and Marty do to remember her! Have to say that that I really like the geometric stuff, as well. Hope you’re enjoying your weekend———–
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Only YOU could make beautiful art from cat food cans! Sorry I complained about moving them! Love you sissy!
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Ah, I love you too, Sweetie! I know the move was bad, but see, there was potential beauty in those boxes! LOL
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Very special post this – having just lost my Fred I understand it so well……….
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Oh, I know! Cats are so, so sweet. Tashi was a precious girl. I’m so sorry you lost Fred! Losing a pet hurts so mcuh!
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