Tense Cat came to me on a whim. At the time, I was working full time with a local law firm and was very stressed. I was planning to participate in a gallery open house (The Arlington Art Center) for the holidays and needed to make several new pieces. I’ve always loved cats but, alas, am allergic to them and could never have a real one of my own. I quickly made the cat, added the “stress” to it and Tense Cat was born.
After completing the first Tense Cat – back in November, 1998 – I had no idea the kind of response it would create. Slides of my work, including Tense Cat, were submitted to the Washington Post for the Arlington Art Show. The slide of Tense Cat was published on a Thursday in the Style section of the Post. By Friday, the Arlington Art Center was swamped with calls wanting to know how to purchase the Tense Cat! By the time I set up my space that Saturday for the show – I already had several commissions and sold other pieces. The turnout at the gallery was huge and many came to see Tense Cat and purchase one of their own. Thus, the oddesy of Tense Cat had begun. I pretty much lived Tense Cat for the next few months and I’ve never looked back!
Finally, whenever you may be stressed, frustrated, or just annoyed, remember Tense Cat. For, even in the worst of it, Tense Cat is always smiling.
Scott Hunter
December, 2005
Artist Statement
