Is Interspecies Art a Thing?

Apparently it is now. At least in my life.

A few weeks ago I made a deal with whoever was listening (because I don't want to dive into spiritual beliefs here, so you can fill in that blank) that I was going to surrender to art. I was ready to create the works I was meant to create.

That meant that I would need to make peace with my well-intentioned tendency to want things to be just right (i.e., perfect). Perhaps you can relate to that.

Enter Hannah.

Days before my scheduled appointment with her human to present her proofs, Hannah kindly began a conversation with me. I was in my kitchen, stirring dinner on the stove. She was in her home, about a half-mile away.

"Excuse me, hello!" she sang. I could hear her as clearly as I could hear any human talking from two feet away.

We had a delightful, humorous, frank series of conversations. Through our exchange of ideas I learned more about her than I ever could have known from photographing her. She is love, joy, conviction, and so many wonderful things.

She asked me to do something for her human I've never done before. She requested a special and specific art piece. When I told her I wasn't that kind of artist, she assured me that she would bring the art to my hand if I would trust her. She emphatically and kindly stated that her person needed to see this piece.

I couldn't say no to that.

We worked together to create something very different from what I thought I could do. She showed up to create with me, and I can't explain how my hand managed to do any of this because I felt like I had given over my hand, eyes, and brain over to her and the process. She helped me to surrender.

This is a peek at what we made together. Hannah directed me to draw, in marker, a portrait of her that showed the top of her head. Then she wanted me to fill in the canvas with watercolor of her aura.

Her human was delighted. She assured me that the conversations I had with Hannah were quite normal - she is politely persistent.

I am so grateful to Hannah for trusting me with this opportunity. I am grateful for her human, who has nurtured her soul and cared for her for more than a decade.

Hannah has graciously offered to help me refine my drawing skills, so if you love an animal who might appreciate a different portrait message . . .