I am working on an artistic project and got to thinking about Koko the gorilla. Koko was a gorilla who apparently knew some sign language. Koko even had her own pet kitten which she named All Ball.
What I found fascinating about Koko is that she produced several paintings. I believe you can still buy the prints of her paintings with the money going to an animal charity. The names of some of her paintings were “Love,” “Bird,” and “Pepper.” Her finger paintings did indeed look like an abstract bird and a red pepper.
What makes an animal an artist? Is a cat’s paw prints in wet cement considered art? No, not really. That cat is only going from one side to the other. What about peacocks up righting their gorgeous tail plumage to attract a pea hen? Could the motion of flipping up that dramatic tail be a type of performance or dance art? Not in my view. What about a robin singing a lovely tune? No only a natural instinct in birds to sing.
Blank canvas boards ready for sketching or painting.
Sometimes you can go to craft fairs and see dog or cat paw prints for sale on wood plaques, t-shirts, ceramic bowls or other objects.
Certain zoos, also, have elephants, snakes, chimpanzees and other animals producing abstract paintings for sale. They use non toxic paint and canvases for the paintings. The profits on these paintings helps to feed the zoo animals. There is probably a little help from the zookeepers in doing the art work, but I do not think the animals gave much thought to the paintings they produced.
Large box of assorted paint colors.
A thing of beauty takes your breath away no matter the source whether it be produced by humans or so-called animal artists. Only human beings can give thought to the work of art they produce.
However, open your mind and use your imagination when viewing any type of art.
Art is emotional and makes you happy, sad, joyful or surprised. If looking at a piece of abstract “animal art” inspires you, then you are all the better for it.
Question of the Day–What is your favorite zoo animal?