The Odd Eyed Cat and the Balinese Starling
The Odd Eyed Cat and the Balinese Starling
oil and metal foil on panel
18" X 24"
2015
SOLD
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This painting is inspired by two white and blue animals, both highly sought after by humans for pets. One is the Balinese Starling, an endangered species whose population plummeted from the illegal pet trade. The other is crafted by humans, the odd-eyed white cat. This combination of cat features is prized across the world, and drove the creation of many breeds from the Turkish Van Cat (bred in Britain) to the Khao Manee Cat of Thailand.
I find it fascinating that these physical characteristics in animals could have such an appeal for humans across the world. Ultimately this desire decimated a wild population of birds, and created new breeds of domesticated cat. I find both to be examples of our aesthetic desires re-shaping ecosystems on our planet.
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