Paws on the Platte Write Up

This vibrant sculpture, named "Spirit," embodies the resilience and hope that shelter dogs carry within. Her layered, weathered surface created through the saltwash technique represents the many challenges and adversities a rescue dog may have endured before finding a loving forever home. Yet, just like these canine companions, Spirit's underlying beauty shines through, a testament to the enduring spirit that makes them so cherished.

Adorning Spirit is a patchwork quilt, a tapestry of creativity and compassion woven by the hearts and hands of students from 1st through 12th grade. Each square is an original work of art inspired by the Fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues, gifted to us by God, are the driving forces behind the noble work of animal welfare organizations and all those who open their homes and hearts to rescued companions. The quilt's vibrant colors and whimsical patterns, reminiscent of Romero Britto's iconic style, represent the new life of hope, happiness, and unconditional love that awaits these deserving dogs.

Just as Spirit wears this mantle of joy, so too do rescue dogs adorn the lives of their adoptive families with profound gifts of loyalty, comfort, and pure exuberance. Spirit is a collaborative piece of art, created by a community united in the belief that all creatures deserve a chance at a forever home filled with love and compassion. From the donors and patrons who make this work possible, to the volunteers tirelessly dedicating their time, to the artists pouring their talents into this cause – Spirit is a symbol of the powerful impact we can make when we join together with kindness in our hearts.

May this sculpture inspire us all to embrace the Fruits of the Spirit, extending a gentle hand to those in need, human or animal alike. For it is in these acts of unconditional love and care that we truly unleash the indomitable spirit within.

Tim ONeill

I am the primary artist. This dog was graciously sponsored by Cogs Dogs a non-profit rescue for Elderly Dogs in Omaha.

Tim ONeill, Andrea Melius and students from North Platte Catholic Schools

Spirit

The sophmore class was asked to name her and provide a back story.

Spirit is a collaborative effort. I chose to paint Spirit her body using a saltwash paint technique.

I first asked the students from North Platte Catholic schools to each create a design in the style of Brazilian artist Romero Britto, each class using a prompt that was assigned. The prompts were the fruits of the spirit; joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, modesty, self-control, charity (love), chastity. The students then created a 4x5 inch piece of art using markers to emulate Romero Britto's colorful style. Those 4x5 creations were printed on fabric and were the basis of the tunic or blanket.

I wanted something that would refer to the collaborative nature of the work the Humane Society does. The blanket represents a new, bright, colorful and fun life that is gifted to Spirit from the Humane society. The collaboration between many people to create Spirit represents the collaborative efforts from doners, patrons, volunteers and the many hands and hearts that it takes to help animals in need. The fruits of the spirit gifted to us by God are the many different traits that encourage people to support one another and all living things.

Tim O'Neill's artistic journey began in the tactile world of film photography, where early experiences in a traditional darkroom laid the foundation for his lifelong pursuit of creative expression. Photography skills were honed as a combat photographer in the US Navy, leading to exploration and immersion of various artistic mediums. With the advent of digital technology, Tim expanded his repertoire to include mixed media paintings, clay prints, and silk paintings, catering to an international clientele.

Tim founded Tim O’Neill Studios and Prosperity Publishing Global to support visual artists and online entrepreneurs. His work in his personal studio spans oil and cold wax, encaustic, acrylics, silk painting, epoxy resin, and concrete carving, celebrated by private collectors worldwide. Tim’s blend of traditional techniques and modern insights showcases the endless possibilities of creative exploration.

Discover more about Tim O'Neill and his art at Timoneillstudios.com. His narrative reflects a commitment to artistic evolution and innovation.