an extract from an ARC interview with Frank Undershoe held last September at his home in a shed in Hope, British Columbia. Canada.

Art Rat Cafe (ARC): And it is further rumored, Mr. Undershoe, that you have the largest and most unique collection of petz in this province, if not in the world…

Frank Undershoe (FU): I prefer not to call them petz

ARC: Can you elaborate on your preference Mr. Undershoe?

FU: Can you elaborate on yours?

ARC: How should we then refer to these remarkable beings that share your life?

FU: (long silence………………………………………………………etc)

ARC: Jolly good! Then perhaps I can ask how many petz strike through are in your care?

FU: I don’t care for them and they don’t care for me (grabs a straw hat and cane from the coat rack and performs a brief but graceful soft shoe shuffle)…as for the number thing at its best it’s a stretch from an incomprehensible number to five.

ARC: Dear Mr.Frankie, how ARE you feeling now? Can you tell us about the two petz strike through who have just appeared in the frame with you, can you?

FU: My guess is as good as yours Ratty. The upside down hanging thing appears to be offsprung from a poodle and a sloth, and the cute little origami man is just desperate to go out, needs to pee i wouldn’t wonder…

ARC: Did you know, your right eye is a dolphin?

FU: Is this all preordained?

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Frank Undershoe and petz strike through. 18×14″. Acrylic on paper on panel.

Painting and writing by clinock.