Lufi Pastel

Pastel drawing on mixed media paper

14.8 x 21 cm

Inspired by Lufi, the big black cat who turned my life upside down when the association L’Ecole du Chat Libre entrusted him to me saying “He is very traumatized but we were told that he is a cat lover. He needs a calm environment to regain his confidence.”

I grew up with cats and always recognized myself in them. Even when they have found their family, they remain independent beings, sometimes wild, stoic or cuddly.

To convey the essence of Lufi and the other cats I knew, I draw inspiration from different historical artistic movements and the possibilities offered by various mediums.

This work is inspired by the languorous poses of 18th century models and the verdant wildlife in Gauguin’s paintings to highlight the contrast between wild nature and the domesticated temperament of cats like Lufi.

“I have lived with several Zen masters – all of them cats.”
― Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now