Artwork copyright Sal Guastella. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Pancho P-P Paws, 1991

Sal Guastella
(American, born 1950)

Location: Lincoln Elementary, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Pancho P-P Paws is a painting by artist Sal Guastella. The composition features colorful patterns in a cartoonish style. The artist's cat Pancho inspired this piece. Pancho had the habit of dirtying his paws when he used the bathroom, and gained the nickname "P-P Paws." The artist notes, "I was sitting in my studio and doing a little daydreaming about Pancho, when I decided to do a painting about him. He was a special friend and I tried to carry that feeling to the work as well as to document Pancho for generations to come."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Olympia School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Florida-based artist Sal Guastella creates three-dimensional constructions out of cardboard, wood, paint, and other materials. He uses a colorful and cartoonish style, and often includes animals in his artworks.
Guastella was born in Havana, Cuba, and came to the U.S. at age nine. In 1978, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Florida International University and went on to work in advertising, illustration, and sign painting. Through his art, he fulfills “a need to express my feelings, either in a positive or negative visual manner.”