Otto’s Adventure

Another install complete.  

“Otto’s Adventure” was installed in Lake Station, MI on July 13, 2023.  A great community of people showed up to lift Otto and Gunni off the back of my truck to install him to their new forever home.   If you haven’t visited Lake Station, MI you should.  Such a beautiful little town full of community minded individuals.  

I’ve waited until this piece was installed before telling the inspiration and back story of Otto Adventure.  Otto is based off the likeness of my oldest grandson, Wesson Otto Sharp and his adventurous outdoor spirit.  Otto’s companion is inspired off my new pup Gunni.  

The theme of “Otto’s Adventure” was inspired from an era that had always intrigued me and from an artist that I’ve always admired.  The simpler days, or so we think, of a Norman Rockwell painting.  His work has always drawn me in with the story jumping off the canvas because of the nuanced humor and fine attention to detail that is breathed into every piece.  

I tried to honor Mr Rockwell by paying attention to detail… whether it’s Otto’s untucked shirt on his right side or tattered spots in his straw hat as it bends around his tree limb fishing pole.  As for the humor, I didn’t really attempt that part to strongly, other than Gunni’s undeniable focus, being inches away of sampling Otto’s catch of the day.  

I hope you enjoy Otto’s Adventure.  I’m so happy the great community of Lake Station has given them such a beautiful home to live as well as the privileged honor of making this piece for them.

Jeff Best

Devil’s Rope Studio