Derek Brennan, Blossom, Encaustic on wood panel

Drawing, painting and sculpting animals has always been a subject for artists throughout history, from the earliest cave paintings, Egyptian artists’ depictions of gods with animal heads, medieval manuscripts with mystical beasts, and nineteenth century Victorian artists creating paintings of their domestic pets.

During what scientists are calling the Anthropause, the unprecedented global slowdown of human activity during the pandemic, animals from the seas, roaming the land, and flying above experienced an altogether mixed bag as well. For those of us sheltering in place, the birds were not anymore in surplus singing their songs; we just slowed down as humans, drove less, and found ourselves listening to the birdcalls as if we had not ever heard their melodies before.

Globally, things shifted and changed: adoptions for dogs and cats skyrocketed, wildlife conservation projects paused, habitats for animals changed and for many of us, we observed and connected to finny, feathery, and furry creatures more than ever before.

Katie Butler, Sealing Your Fate

Artists Cathie Bleck, Derek Brennan, Kathleen Browne, Katie Butler, Cheryl Cochran, Lee Heinen, Michael High, Liz Maugans, Dinara Mirtalipova, Kortney K Niewierski, Gerry Shamray, Yvonne Palkowitsh, James Ruby, Tyler Zeleny, and Kim Chapman explore the insights and phenomena, from companionship, love, and respect for the other living things swimming, flying, and walking around us.

FISH FLY FUR | OCTOBER 9–NOVEMBER 20
OPENING RECEPTION NOON-3PM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9

YARDS PROJECT SPACE
725 Johnson Court
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
yardsproject.com