Monday, March 2, 2026

Day 4938: Cats in Art & Update & The Nairobi Birdman.

"Glow": my photo & digital.

Want music?

Click: Leon Bridges, Steam

2GN2S

Celebrating Cats in Art

Throughout the Centuries

Xuan Loc Xuan, “Nasturtium Cat” (2023), digital painting, 9 7/8 × 11 3/8 inches.

Adolph E. Weidhaas, “Brünnhilde” (1936), gelatin silver print, 4 ¾ × 3 ½ inches.

In 1835, a tortoiseshell cat measuring more than three feet long was enough to warrant a small advertisement in a British newspaper that as “the greatest curiosity ever shown to the public,” it could be viewed at the Ship Tavern in London. Surely a pint of ale was the informal fee to view this extraordinary animal.

It was during the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe that cats became increasingly recognized as worthy pets, beyond their role as mousers. Breweries and distilleries often still “employ” a cat or two to keep the rodents out of the grain. From supernatural kaibyō in Japanese folklore to felines’ divine status in ancient Egypt, the animals have had an indelible influence on mythology, history, and our daily lives for a very long time.

Forthcoming from Phaidon, the book Cat celebrates, well, exactly what you’d expect. From contemporary sculpture and illustrations to early photography and internet memes, the volume runs the gamut of feline personalities and depictions in art throughout the millennia. Yet no matter how diverse the portrayals or how long ago they were created, the creatures’ expressiveness—even ridiculousness—is universally relatable.

Cat surveys an immense range of mediums and eras, from medieval illuminated manuscripts to modern street art. Colossal readers may be familiar with artists like Xuan Loc Xuan, Lee Sangsoo, and Utagawa Hiroshige, among many others, whose multimedia explorations of feline nature fill the playful tome.

Bill Traylor, Untitled (Midnight Blue Cat) (c. 1939–42), poster paint on found cardboard,

Utagawa Hiroshige II, “A White Cat Playing with a String” (1863), woodcut, 8 3/8 × 10 1/2 inches

Sally J. Han, “Nap” (2022), acrylic paint on paper mounted on wood panel, 24 × 30 inches

Nathaniel Currier, “The Favorite Cat” (1838–48), hand-colored lithograph.

Jodie Niss, Untitled (#2) (2022), oil on wood panel, 16 × 12 inches.

Andy Holden, “Cat-tharsis” (2022), 90 cat figurines and HD video with music by The Grubby Mitts, 17 minutes.

leaving Orange County

A quick flight Saturday afternoon and I was in Henderson, Nevada! Overdue for family time, Sunday we were all in church and together.

Sunset from the back yard. 5 PM

Grandhunk #2, Jake and Manu had driven in from OC on Friday, but were getting ready to drive back Sunday evening. Thus the photo od GH#1, Jordan and wife, Raquel, GH#3, Zack & Grandma. Duke & Zoey sat on command, but weren't thrilled about it?.

Manu & Jake ready to drive home

Zack ready to go to his apartment

Duke

A 28+ minute video, Legos-> Monet, here.

Just because ...

Peregrine Falcon+

Monday's Smiles ...

Hoping you feel all the good things in your day.

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Day 4937: Manhole Covers & Scale of the Comet.

"Thanks": ink, acrylics on journal page.

Want music?

Click: Rufus, Do Love What You Feel?

2GN2S

Do You See Manhole Covers?

I have always had a fascination for manhole covers. My first time in New York, WonderWoman said she had to run blockage as I wandered photographing so many covers, oblivious to street traffic. Then student & special friend Megan took wonderful photos for me in Japan. I collect more from all over the world. Today a few ...