I often paint subjects that are centered in humor -- either because I find mirth in unusual places, or because amusement comes to me with unexpected clarity. I recently shared this story with my dearest friend, along with my impression of the creature's slow waltz across the carport roof. I'm not a comedian...but my little act sent him into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. The other diners in Kerbey Lane Café probably thought we had both lost our minds...!
Here's a little background...
A few years back, I was helping a friend personalize her new townhouse living room. She knew I was creating murals at the time, and asked if I might do something with her very long and narrow room -- she literally wanted to make the back wall 'come forward'. We collaborated on ideas, paint and background, and then I went to see the room in person.
Her townhouse shared a vine-covered carport with that of her student neighbors, which provided a very shady canopy. I had heard stories for some weeks regarding Benny, the neighbors' pet iguana. I was quite intrigued by the whole idea of an iguana companion. A pet iguana was exotic -- certainly not a predictable choice. Having never had the experience of even seeing one (let alone 'up close and personal'), I thought I wanted to do so. Over a period of weeks, during which I created a 'tree of life' mural for her living room, filled with many species of birds, I looked for Benny during my comings and goings. Just a glimpse would suffice. So every time I arrived, I checked the canopy. No luck!
Her townhouse shared a vine-covered carport with that of her student neighbors, which provided a very shady canopy. I had heard stories for some weeks regarding Benny, the neighbors' pet iguana. I was quite intrigued by the whole idea of an iguana companion. A pet iguana was exotic -- certainly not a predictable choice. Having never had the experience of even seeing one (let alone 'up close and personal'), I thought I wanted to do so. Over a period of weeks, during which I created a 'tree of life' mural for her living room, filled with many species of birds, I looked for Benny during my comings and goings. Just a glimpse would suffice. So every time I arrived, I checked the canopy. No luck!
One afternoon, as I was leaving, I had the distinct and unmistakable feeling that I was being watched. I certainly knew it wasn't the Eyes of Texas (my friend is from Oklahoma!), but nonetheless, I felt I was being watched. I looked around...nothing! The feeling intensified. Something told me to look up, and I did. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust. There, among the green leaves, sat a giant, silver-green iguana...Benny...! At last...! In full 'display mode', ruby-red bloated throat puffed out for all to see, Benny just stared me down...and I stared right back! I've often thought about that moment, and I smile. It was a surprise of the rarest kind. He was huge!
I created this painting in honor of my friend's reptilian neighbor, Benny. I call it Say mama...come over here...and I laugh all over again every time I look at it....
Sometimes, what I paint is all about having fun.
