Meet the Artist.
Randy Steward paints cat butts. Among other things.
A Texan and a lifelong creative, Randy was raised by a quilter and influenced by the colors, forms, and general weirdness of the American west. His work as a printmaker, painter, illustrator, and multimedia artist has led him to explore subjects from pets to portraits, always with a throughline of humor, personality, and more than a few puns. Randy has participated in events including Hatch Show Print’s Big Ink in Nashville, as well as solo and group shows in Lexington, Kentucky, where he is a longtime member of the Lexington Guild of Printmakers. His art has always been inspired by his surroundings—and lately, he’s been surrounded by cat butts, courtesy of the two felines who graciously share their home with Randy and his wife Susan. While Randy’s work has explored plenty of new directions over the years, he started painting cats in 2006 and never stopped. His first solo exhibition, 2020’s “The Luplollo Show” at The Parachute Factory in Lexington, featured cat butts in every handmade frame. The cats are okay with this.
Randy attended Texas State University–San Marcos, where he received a BA in Communications Design. He has grown that degree into a thriving career as a designer, illustrator, art director, and associate creative director for brands like A&W Restaurants, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Weller, 1792 Bourbon, Thomas S. Moore, and Freddie’s Soda. He brings the same approach to his branding work as he does to his fine art: bold, eye-catching designs that make people stop, look, and smile.
Artist Statement
When I was little, I told my mom I wanted to be a funny old man when I grew up.
In one way or another, that’s what my art is all about.
The most obvious way is through cat butts. Sure, they may not be your favorite thing if you’re sitting at home, trying to get work done while a cat parades its posterior in your face. But on the wall of a gallery, framed up in bold colors, wild textures, and a handmade frame? There’s nothing like a cat butt to make people stop and smile.
Making people smile is really the long and short of it. No matter what I’m painting, printing, or illustrating, I’m finding and showing the humor and playfulness in the world around us. I’ve always been inspired by my surroundings—add some colors and forms inspired by my years spent in Texas and New Mexico, and those everyday moments and surroundings transform into something more. A day spent lounging at the beach turns into a laugh-out-loud scene. A dog waiting for dinner becomes a perfect portrait subject. And cat butts suddenly turn from annoyance into art.
Fine art doesn’t have to be serious. So go ahead, enjoy the hell out of it.
