Blog / 2014 / The Winner of the Owl and the Pussycat

Last month, I offered these two paintings pay-what-you-will, announcing the contest and explaining it with a video starring my father reading Edward Lear’s poem The Owl and the Pussycat.

I received so many touching messages in response to my offer. Love letters to cherished cats, to friends and family who have passed on, to adored parents, and to darling children. Love letters to a life that the author is trying to live and is working at living with the help of art. Love letters to a community in need of art. Love letters to me and to the work I do.

When I decided to work this pay-what-you-will thing as a tell-your-story contest, I didn’t anticipate how difficult it would be for me to disappoint people who’d taken the time to write to me. Though the feedback I got about my work and the support that was folded into the lines of text were both inspiring, I’m not sure I’m built for being the decider in a situation like this. Still, I’m glad I did it. As with any challenge, it made for many valuable lessons.

All of which is to say that the paintings are on their way to their new owner, but I’m the real winner. Thank you to everyone who participated!