from

k e l l y d e a n  and  c o m p a n y

in 

 The week we revisit the American Grizzly Bear.  The study subject for our notes is a young adult Grizzly male that we call Gunther.  This bear is probably about 5 years old, in the prime of his life, and quite a handsome speciman.  Gunther has been gorging steadily all summer.  His coat is rich and sleek, his hump rich with fat in preparation for winter hibernation.   We thought that today we would follow Gunther around to some of his favorite feeding spots, and observe how modern, urban bear has adapted to human civilization. . .

First, we'd like to introduce you to our study subject for this chapter. . .

  This is Gunther Grizzly.  He lives in the woods outside of a small city. 

He loves to play with the fish in the stream near his den. . .

Gunther isn't really a very good fisherman. 

(he's always telling fishtales about 'the one that got away')

Of course, they don't all get away.  .  .

but do you really expect him to eat this cute little fishy? ? ?

RAW?

or this one?  Gunther would rather keep him as a pet than eat him.

No, Gunther usually has a different idea about lunch.

Gunther goes for take-out!

I mean, why bother with cold, slippery fish when there's a canned feast to be had nightly, just up the street from where he lives.

Knocking a garbage can over is easy for a big bear like Gunther.

He like to get his nose right in there,  sniffing the pleasures, inhaling those wonderful aromas wafting from within. 

of course, there are some disadvantages to being a really big bear.  There is so much stuff inside that Gunther can't reach with his tounge.

So Gunther sits back to have a snack.

Cleaning out those little cans is easy when you're good with your paws ;-)

although those really tiny ones can be tough, especially when they're tossed out unopened.

opps!  Gunther's momma always warned him about this!

He'll be more careful with the next can, you can bet on it.

so many cans & bottles, so many tasty choices. . .

of course, there are some real advantages to being a really big bear, too. 

(When Gunther goes for take-out, he gets the really big bucket)

Shoot!  it looks like it's all gone. . .   could the trash can really be empty? 

There's only one way to find out!

(now that's a happy bear)

Look at him roll and play. . . he can keep this up for hours.

 But eventually, even bears get tired. . .

and so Gunther is going to head back to his den for a nap. . .

 But before he goes, Gunther has one more fish story for us. . .

Gunther would like you to know how urban bears really catch fish.  You see, a bear can find other things in the trash besides food. . .

and a smart bear learns how to use them!

Gunther still doesn't understand how anybody can eat the durn things though.  bleck! 

Nope, Gunther is a true urban bear.  He'll have 'take-out', every time!

about this piece:

Gunther is my representation of an young adult male grizzly bear.  He is made of a very high-end Belgian synthetic fabric in rich copper and cinnamon tones, flecked and shaded with black.  Gunther was carefully carved and scissors-sculpted from the fur after he was assembled and then airbrushed about the face and extremities.

Gunther is 16" long, about 10" high standing on all 4's, and about 12" seated on his haunches.  Gunther is built over a complete skeleton, not armature, and features 4 disk joints, 13 mechanical joints, a complete flexible neck & spine and an additional hinge-joint in each foot for a more natural movement.  He has trapunto leather paw pads, leather eyelids and leather claws that were machine-sewn and then treated and hardened in a process unique to the artist.  The claws are attached to the skeleton through the foot, not sewn on.

about the trashcan:

The trashcan is 6.6" tall with the lid on & the handle extended, 5" with the lid off, and is 5" in diameter at the top.  The can is constructed competely of leather, with heavy silver grain metallic forming the exterior and lined with smooth, glossy pigskin.  Each rib of the body was machine appliqued, leather handles swivel & lift.

about the trash: