Welcome to the world of Felan Art, where I, Bob Felan, your favorite grumpy old man from Charleston, South Carolina, craft an array of delightful wonders.

My art has been described as whimsical, fun, and unique, but honestly, it's more like a cross between a cat on a unicycle and a dog playing saxophone. My inspiration is a strange mix of pop culture, spiritual contemplations, memories from my journeys, the furry monsters that share my life, and the chaos of friends and family.

I’m a grumpy old man who prefers the comfort of his cave, but there’s one thing that gets me out—dogs. I love dogs. I have a YouTube channel all about them, and much of my art revolves around them. I’ve even created several lines of t-shirts and accessories, like my "Life's Better With a Dog" and "Who Rescued Who?" collections. (Yes, it bugs me that it’s not "Whom," but that's the phrase people know, so I’ll live.)

The neighborhood dogs all know where to find the good treats—my house. I go through about 10 pounds of doggie biscuits each month, making sure every furry visitor gets their share. (Bonus: I’m pretty sure no one's breaking into my house with these loyal dogs guarding their treat source.) I also set up at local Farmers Markets and Festivals, where I get to meet even more dogs. I’ll admit it—I like dogs better than people.

There’s a young man from New Zealand who created a holiday called Wolfenoot, which celebrates dogs worldwide. It’s been around since 2018, and while it’s not as big as Christmas (yet), it’s definitely worth checking out.

Wolfenoot icon by Megan Winters

My latest!

My two favorite inspirations are my dogs, Epona and Chiquita. Epona, a pitbull, was rescued from a terrible situation. She had been used as a bait dog, covered in scars, and I honestly thought she was too broken to heal. She proved me wrong in just 20 minutes. Despite the abuse, she was the sweetest dog with people, though she never fully trusted other dogs. Epona was with me through some of the hardest times of my life, from a bad relationship to caring for my elderly mother, and even helping me find an amazing spouse. You’ll see her a lot in my art and videos—she was special inside and out.

After losing Epona, a friend told us about another pitbull in desperate need of rescue. Enter Chiquita. She was terrified, malnourished, and had already been forced to have puppies before she was even a year old. We weren’t ready for another dog, but fostering her was the least we could do. She never left. "Chiquita" means "Little Girl," and while she’s grown healthier and bigger, she’s still my skinny pittie, and a certified velcro dog—she’s happiest curled up next to one of us for hours.

So, that’s me. My art, my life, and my heart belong to dogs.

But fear not, friends. My creative ideas wander far beyond my favorite topic. I’ve traveled extensively and, although I’ve lived most of my life within a short drive of the coast, I’ve visited all fifty states and numerous other countries. Born in a U.S. Naval Hospital, my entire childhood was spent on or near Navy bases around the world. I eventually joined the Navy myself and served overseas, including time in Australia and a small island in the Indian Ocean. During my leave, I explored fascinating regions in Europe and Asia, which proved to be deeply inspiring.

I’ve studied various philosophical and spiritual ideas, as well as a great deal of history, all of which have influenced my creativity. My curiosity knows no bounds, and my ideas are limited only by my ability to bring them to life.

In addition to my digital art, which is available online, I also create etched glass and wood décor. Pyrography—art with fire—is an exciting way to express my ideas. These one-of-a-kind pieces are usually available at my booths at local markets and festivals, so while I’ll occasionally post images online, they probably won’t be available for sale there.

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