Felis catus

in Hive Pizza3 years ago (edited)

Independent at heart. Casually ambivalent. Lazily sleeping away the day.

Crazy to think that these little floofs were once considered a representation of the Egyptian Goddess Bastet. A fearless warrior and a protector of the home. Portrayed originally as a goddess with the head of a lioness- which over time transitioned to the head of a cat. A cat visiting your home was a sign the goddess was present.

At this very moment, you may be leaning back and looking at your very own relic of tiny purring royalty (which is most likely sleeping on the one jacket you were trying to keep clear of cat hair) and wondering " fierce, huh?".

WELL believe it or not, as it turns out a few historians have attributed this worship partially to the fact that the ancestors of our feline companions excelled at repelling hazardous pests. Keeping homes and essential food storage areas of early humans free and clear of rodents and other hazards. Our cute little allies quickly worked their way into our hearts through reciprocal altruism.

It's almost hilarious to consider the fact that cats may have been responsible for their own domestication. Finding an opportunity and swiftly filling it.


Now we begin with our ode to Felis Catus

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Line art in my digital doodles is an area that I have been practicing and trying to improve in. I was pretty happy with how these lines turned out. I do have to say though, in a recent switch from Photoshop to Krita achieving clean lines seems to be much easier. Definitely a worthwhile program. I can't wait to explore the program more thoroughly!

Once the coloring of the foliage was completed it was time to fill in the rest. I decided to add some Balloon Flowers. They are so cute and very much remind me of stars. ⭐️

In addition, I couldn't resist adding in a gemstone. Opting to go with the Amythyst.
Ancient Egyptians (as well as many other ancient cultures) considered this gemstone to be one of protection. This felt like a fitting inclusion.

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Originally I was going to make the balloon flowers purple as a representation of the royal status cats used to have. This swiftly changed when I started experimenting with the background and came up with something very different but I ended up liking it a whole lot more.

Changing the flowers to white also ended up helping with the star visualization.
Finally, encased in blue, the color of loyalty.

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Today's felines that are living as pets might not quite hold up to the ferocity of their ancestors, but that's ok. I will continue to support my tiny freeloader. She's pretty cute...I guess.


If you're looking for an interesting read on the history of our relationship with cats (and dogs) I recommend checking out:
Citizen Canine: Our Evolving Relationship with Cats and Dogs written by David Grimm

The author shares interesting scientific and historical information in a format in which I found "easy" yet enjoyable to read.


Check out my friends and fellow collaborators on HIVE!


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🌟Huzzah🌟

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A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays and for three he stays.

Ah where would we be without our feline friends...possibly still in the stone age!
Those ancient egyptians sure were onto something! It continues to inspire...as does your work. Great job!

Say hello to my friend Cola! He likes your art too ^^

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!PIZZA

 3 years ago  

Wow, those beautiful emeralds! Cola is definitely a handsome prince! I am glad he approves! haha.

Ah where would we be without our feline friends...possibly still in the stone age!

You're probably right! I feel like there would have been a few more plagues throughout history. So many rodents! 🤣

What is fascinating is that a lot of cultures respected or revered cats in some way. Then there was just that really crazy time in history where they were considered in association with witches and persecuted. Ruining their reputation. (Looking at you European Middle Ages)

But alas! Now we must pay the fealty! A lifetime of love and affection!

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Beautiful artwork.
When I saw Felis Catus I immediately thought of a certain Star Trek android....
!PIZZA

 3 years ago  

Ohhh yeah! When Data does poetry! Oh my gosh. You're so right! Doesn't he write a poem for his cat? That's a great show. Might be time for me to do a rewatch.

!PIZZA

Yes it's called Ode To Spot. It's got that awesome Star-trek-tries-comedy vibe that is always so uncomfortably bad it's good. But bad.
!PIZZA

 3 years ago  

Adore Adore Adore... Skulls n Crystals are where it is at...

!PIZZA

 3 years ago  

Can't stop, won't stop! Lol! This is the first one that's ever been done digitally. So now the flood gates are open!

!PIZZA

boss, thats killer!

 3 years ago  

Thank you! I am glad you like it! 🤗

!PIZZA

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"...responsible for their own domestication"
So true. They choose us, not the other way around.
Nice artwork!