TBT: Best Gift Ever – Handmade Elephant From 1965

When children make art without the interference of art teachers, parents, or critics, it has personality and directly relates to the way the child perceives the subject. It’s real art.

I remember the day I first saw this precious elephant sculpture.  I was 9 years old and visiting my cousin Jeff who was just 5 years old. 

Being the oldest of 11 cousins, I always took care of the little ones and he was certainly my favorite. So when I walked into his house, he proudly showed me his elephant creation.  I loved this sculpture because it reminded me of him.  I could see how he shaped the elephant – his thumb impressions were clearly visible.

Every time I visited Jeff after that, I asked to see his elephant.  I even asked him if I could have it but his mom wanted to keep it as a memento.

Fast forward to last November 2015.  I was visiting my aunt who now lives with Jeff. We were sitting around the dining room table feasting on an early Thanksgiving dinner because Nicole was going to have to work on Thanksgiving day. My 84-year-old aunt handed me a gift as we gorged ourselves on turkey.  She had crocheted a little pouch that held – you guessed it! – the little elephant that Jeff made 50 years ago.

Now I have my favorite sculpture made by my precious cousin.