Waiting for Master

Howard Kottler, Waiting for Master, 1986, earthenware, paint, simulated gold leaf, and applied decals, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Howard Kottler Testamentary Trust, 1991.194.1A-C
Copied Howard Kottler, Waiting for Master, 1986, earthenware, paint, simulated gold leaf, and applied decals, overall: 37 341626 in. (95.940.666.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Howard Kottler Testamentary Trust, 1991.194.1A-C

Artwork Details

Title
Waiting for Master
Date
1986
Dimensions
overall: 37 341626 in. (95.940.666.0 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the Howard Kottler Testamentary Trust
Mediums
Mediums Description
earthenware, paint, simulated gold leaf, and applied decals
Classifications
Keywords
  • Animal — dog
Object Number
1991.194.1A-C

Artwork Description

The cartoonish dog of Waiting for Master is covered in a decal made to look like gold leaf. The piece disassembles to reveal the master’s hand, with the phrase “Waiting For Master Is Waiting for Life” written below it. Under the hand sits a small version of the dog on a pedestal looking at a building. Howard Kottler used this piece to convey his feelings that “we’re all in attendance on someone . . . Our pets control us, just as we control them.” (Patricia Failing, Howard Kottler: Face to Face, 1995)