“In life’s pursuits, we’ve all experienced an ‘Intolerable Situation for a Cat’”
Life is about pursuits. They are what drive us, galvanize our passions, and set us on a course toward achievement. They can also be illusive, taking us down paths full of misguided directions and roads to nowhere before we finally break through. Such moments can be immensely satisfying and fuel our desire to tackle life’s next goal. That notion has never been more apparent than in this striking work.
Look at Me! Look at Me Now! - Diptych
Fine Art Pigment Print on Acid-Free Paper
Image: 14” x 11” each / Paper: 17.5” x 26.5”
Limited Edition of 850 Arabic Numbers
99 Patrons’ Collection
155 Collaborators’ Proofs
“We have all been there, energized by a pursuit, following a dream, unraveling a mystery, or solving a problem. Most of us are likely somewhere on that path today, trying to catch a bird at the end of a maze. Indeed, this can be an ‘Intolerable Situation for a Cat.’”
Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, pursued his ideas with the tenacity of a cat chasing a bird. Ideas were the crux of his career, and with each new book project, the pursuit of the perfect concept would begin in earnest. However, artists are faced with a myriad of creative options and the twisting, curving journey to identify the right path can be daunting.
If the perfect idea is represented by the bird in this striking painting, and Ted is the Cat from its title, then we can clearly see the conundrum in pursuing perfection. Ted suggests that if one could just get to the idea, it would take flight. Yet at the same time, he presents us with a bird sitting calmly, almost confidently, knowing that to catch him will take more than a fleeting effort.
THE ARTISTIC PROCESS REVEALED
“It’s unclear if Ted Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) left these sketchy pencil marks because the painting was never completed, or if he understood that by leaving a trace of his process we would be able to “see” the creative journey along with its many twists and turns.”
This painting offers a fascinating look into Ted’s artistic process both physically and metaphorically.
Upon close examination, one notices the unfinished nature of the canvas in select areas. Ted leaves sketchy pencil lines and unfinished ideas along the way. It’s unclear if he never completed the painting, or if he understood that by leaving a trace of his process we could “see” the creative journey along with its many twists and turns. Either way, Ted allows us an unfiltered glimpse into the mind of Dr. Seuss. This ability to go “behind-the-scenes” and discover a deeper understanding of this American icon is what makes the Art of Dr. Seuss collection such an historic body of work.
CONNECTING THE DOTS
“Many images in the Art of Dr. Seuss Collection relate to one another, forming a more complete narrative of Ted Geisel’s life while allowing us to see our own lives more clearly.”
Your art consultant is available to help you curate a selection of work that fits with the broader narrative you would like to present within your own collection. The suggested works below link to Intolerable Situation For a Cat and further explore ideas surrounding life’s biggest pursuits and the many challenges and opportunities along the way:
A Large Family of Dilemmas
Serigraph on Archival Canvas
Authorized Estate Edition
Image Size: 25” x 35.5” with additional canvas border
Limited Edition of 850 Arabic Numbers, 99 Patrons’ Collection, 155 Collaborators’ Proofs, 5 Hors d’Commerce, and 2 Printer’s Proofs
In 1926, Ted dropped out of Oxford College and left for Paris in pursuit of his artistic dreams. It was a dilemma he wrestled with greatly, ultimately deciding to pursue his dreams despite knowing it would be a difficult path
The Great Cat Continuum
Mixed-Media Pigment Print on Archival Canvas
Authorized Estate Edition
Image Size: 26” x 39” with additional canvas border
Limited Edition of 850 Arabic Numbers, 99 Patrons’ Collection, 155 Collaborators’ Proofs, 5 Hors d’Commerce, and 2 Printer's Proofs
Here Ted shows us that there are no straight lines in the world of Dr. Seuss, just as in life. He suggests that a worthy pursuit unfolds over time and every decision is a new window to crawl through, leading us to the next challenge and opportunity.
There is No one Alive Who is You-er Than You!
Mixed Media Pigment Print on Archival Canvas
Authorized Estate Edition
Image Size: 25” x 35.5” with additional canvas border
Limited Edition of 1500 Arabic Numbers, 99 Patrons' Collection, 155 Collaborators' Proofs,
5 Hors d'Commerce
Ted suggests in this dynamic painting that in order to achieve life’s pursuits, we must believe in ourselves and celebrate our strengths.
Chase in the Forest
Mixed-Media Pigment Print on Archival Canvas
Authorized Estate Edition
Image Size: 36” x 26.5” with additional canvas border
Limited Edition of 850 Arabic Numbers, 99 Patrons’ Collection prints, 155 Collaborators’ Proofs, 5 Hors d'Commerce, 2 Printer's Proofs
Finally, in one of his most sought after works, Ted implies that if we work hard and persevere in our pursuits, life can be full of abundance and satisfaction at every level of our wants and needs.