It was a cold, wet, gray Sydney day just two weeks away from winter yet it felt like winter already. After buying some art materials and running some errands I just walked through the front door ripping off my raincoat and shoes and rushed towards the gas heater to warm up my cold body as quickly as possible. And there he was, my bundle of black and white fury joy, all curled up, looking so cozy and as warm as toast. Yes, it was Marty my beloved cat. Now I felt warm again, full of appreciation for this wonderful animal whose only purpose is ‘to be’ …(patted and fed).
After putting my materials away and fixing myself a snack Marty jumped down with a thud from his spot and quickly climbed up sitting on the spare kitchen stool next to me snuggling up close and laying his soft, little paw gently on my waist as though he were giving me a special kind of cat hug. After I had finished my snack he followed me up to the studio, gracefully treading over my container of coloured pencils and dismantling their perfect order. Though I didn’t mind as he circled around arching his back before finding the perfect spot to sit, settling right next to me, purring loudly and looking over my shoulder as I began to draw.
It’s such a great feeling to know that he likes my company. That is what’s so great about owning a pet, there’s no need to say anything yet you feel so unconditionally loved and accepted and since cats are so quiet it’s as though they aren’t there yet you are still aware of their presence. It’s a special kind of connection that brings me even more deeply into the present moment as I carry that sense of connection into my drawings.
Whenever I feel disconnected or stressed I just need to observe Marty and he reminds me how easy it is to relax and refocus on what I love doing most and that’s to draw.
A word of note: If you are a pet owner please keep them in at night especially between the hours of dawn and dusk to protect local wildlife.