These artistic masterpieces have been created by a massive lizard—and they have been raising money to benefit other animals and humans affected by the Australian bushfires.
Winston the Argentinian tegu lizard creates the paintings by dipping his claws and tail into different paints before thrashing against the canvas.
Winston’s owner, a graphic designer from Michigan named Sarah Curry, has been putting the lizard’s works up for auction where they sell for between $30 and $75. Additionally, his prints have been going for $15 to $30.
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Curry says that Winston had been left on the doorstep of the Great Lakes Zoological Society back in October after being neglected by his former owners.
“I got him from a rescue in Bay City, Michigan,” says the 31-year-old pet owner. “He was once owned by someone who was not sure about his needs so they couldn’t provide the proper care he needed to thrive.
“They eventually dropped him off in a box in front of a zoo at the Great Lakes Zoological Society. He was underweight, his skin was not in good shape, and he needed some TLC.
“The zoo got him back to great health and kept him as an educational animal to teach children about how wonderful reptiles are.
When the zoo went out of business, however, Winston was sent to an animal rescue where he was later adopted by Curry—and they have been best buddies ever since.
“An average day of caring for him is cleaning, feeding, and hanging out with him. He likes to try to help me out with chores in his room, but he doesn’t realize that he makes it a bit difficult,” says Curry.
“Sometimes he likes to steal my paper towels away from me—or the broom. Then he has to climb up my back while I am scrubbing the floor on my hands and knees. He likes to micromanage.
“After we are done cleaning, he likes to relax with me on my lap. He knows how to help himself.”
Considering Winston’s talent for making a mess, Curry always wondered whether Winston could put his skills to a canvas—so when she began searching for a way to raise money for the Australian bushfire relief, she decided to let her pet lizard take a crack at painting.
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“I have always wanted to see how well he will do with paint. But I was always nervous about chemicals being a problem.
“With Australia facing the fires and devastation, I wanted to do something to help,” says Curry. “So, I did some research after speaking to zookeepers and vets and I … read up on different paints.
“Then I just let Winston do what he does best… make a big mess!” says Curry. “They turned out beautiful and he seemed to enjoy how the paint felt on his feet.
So far, Curry and Winston have raised over $1,000 in revenue from the paintings, all of which they have donated to the Australia Fire Relief fund.
“Everyone on Winston’s social media pages are just amazing. Some were skeptical but later learned that Winston is a giant, intelligent, fun-loving lizard.
“It has been great to see their views change as they continue to be a part of our page. Some are scared at first so it is natural to ask questions. After talking with them, they usually become more open-minded and willing to learn more.
“Then as time goes by, their fears tend to almost disappear and they eventually forget Winston is a lizard and not a dog.
“Our followers always support us and we enjoy them very much. It is great to have that friendship connection with them after having so many follow us for so long.
“They know so much about Winston now as if he has been living with them. I owe a lot to each and every one of them.
“I don’t think they realize how much they mean to me to be a part of this adventure with Winston.”
If you want to follow Winston on social media, be sure and check out his Instagram or Facebook page.
(WATCH the video below)
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