One of the first skills one must learn as a researcher and as an artist is to actually see … to observe without bias or judgement. That’s no small task.
I have always assumed that Alia Atredes, alpha-girl, would never welcome a new kitten to the family. Assumptions often harbor biases which can lead us astray. So it is with baby Chani. When I first brought the tiny feral creature home, I was a bit worried about Alia’s reaction. But here’s how it went: when I put the nervous, shaking baby in her kitchen corner sweater-nest, Alia stared at her wide-eyed. I had positioned myself to quickly sweep up the baby if Alia threatened. But she didn’t … I could almost feel her concern for the terrified creature. Alia walked over, encircled the baby with her body, wrapped her arms around Chani’s tiny head, and began to wash her. They purred. I was astonished. Spellbound. This reaction was so unexpected, I could barely catch my breath. Finally Alia looked up at me dismissively and said, “I’ll take it from here.”
