Miss Java ruled our home with a velvet paw for 16 years. When it became clear that she was losing her battle with kidney disease (she fought the good fight for 3 years), I knew I had to honer her with a portrait. I began collecting fur as well as the types of paper and cardboard she loved to sit on — so that I could make paper to incorporate in her collage. Also, hidden in the layers are maps of places she lived: NYC, Austin, TX, and 2 neighborhoods in San Diego.