Logan Square artist Derek Erdman has created a peculiar but charming service – Cat Pix – where customers can text him for free cat pictures. The concept seems too good (or bizarre) to be true, yet countless people have taken Erdman up on his offer, leaving him overwhelmed by the demand.
For Erdman, 51, it's just another day of art and self-expression in his apartment gallery filled with paintings, plants, records, kitsch, and two rescued cats: Chichi and Archie. The artist has always believed that art should be a part of one's life, not just something created for profit.
When Erdman was young, he used to engage in playful pranks like switching the furniture of nearby homes or rearranging traffic cones with his friends. These actions, which he called "civil disobedience," gradually shifted toward more positive and creative pursuits. Erdman now sees Cat Pix as a form of joyous civil disobedience.
He initially got into art as a commercial enterprise after feeling shocked by the price and quality of art in Pilsen when living there in his 20s. He began creating goat paintings on plywood, selling them for $12 apiece, which allowed him to pursue art more seriously. Today, Erdman's art covers his apartment walls and shelves, and he occasionally opens it up as a public gallery.
Erdman describes Cat Pix as "pure joy civil d," something that brings people together without any expectations or conversations. Customers can request cat pictures by texting the phone number, and Erdman will send them a plethora of adorable images in return. He claims to spend around four minutes per day fulfilling these requests.
Despite having gained some attention for his unconventional art, Erdman has received cease-and-desist letters over two screen-printed T-shirts featuring provocative slogans. However, he believes that his artistic journey should encompass more than just creating something for sale – it's about living a life of passion and self-expression.
When asked if he misses the social interaction in his previous job managing an office for a law firm, Erdman said yes. He enjoys the stability this provides him, allowing him to focus on his art full-time without worrying about making ends meet by painting people's pets and babies.
For Erdman, 51, it's just another day of art and self-expression in his apartment gallery filled with paintings, plants, records, kitsch, and two rescued cats: Chichi and Archie. The artist has always believed that art should be a part of one's life, not just something created for profit.
When Erdman was young, he used to engage in playful pranks like switching the furniture of nearby homes or rearranging traffic cones with his friends. These actions, which he called "civil disobedience," gradually shifted toward more positive and creative pursuits. Erdman now sees Cat Pix as a form of joyous civil disobedience.
He initially got into art as a commercial enterprise after feeling shocked by the price and quality of art in Pilsen when living there in his 20s. He began creating goat paintings on plywood, selling them for $12 apiece, which allowed him to pursue art more seriously. Today, Erdman's art covers his apartment walls and shelves, and he occasionally opens it up as a public gallery.
Erdman describes Cat Pix as "pure joy civil d," something that brings people together without any expectations or conversations. Customers can request cat pictures by texting the phone number, and Erdman will send them a plethora of adorable images in return. He claims to spend around four minutes per day fulfilling these requests.
Despite having gained some attention for his unconventional art, Erdman has received cease-and-desist letters over two screen-printed T-shirts featuring provocative slogans. However, he believes that his artistic journey should encompass more than just creating something for sale – it's about living a life of passion and self-expression.
When asked if he misses the social interaction in his previous job managing an office for a law firm, Erdman said yes. He enjoys the stability this provides him, allowing him to focus on his art full-time without worrying about making ends meet by painting people's pets and babies.
! Derek Erdman's whole setup is just so charming and refreshing. It's amazing how something as simple as cat pictures can bring joy to people's lives without any pretentiousness or pressure. I mean, who wouldn't want to text an artist for adorable cat pics? 
It's really cool that he's making a living from his art in a way that still feels true to himself, even if it means doing something unconventional like this. And kudos to him for not getting too caught up in the commercial aspect of things – it's great to see artists prioritizing their passions and creativity over profit 
. I think what I love most about him is how passionate he is about his art and wanting it to be a part of people's lives, not just something you buy or display in your home. It's like he's taking this idea of "civil disobedience" (lol) to a whole new level! The guy's got two rescued cats, plants, records...he's living the dream, fam 
.
. I mean, who wouldn't want some adorable cat pictures just because? 
It's like Erdman is spreading joy without even trying, you know? And it's cool how he sees it as "pure joy civil disobedience" – I think that's a great way to look at it. He's not just making art for himself or to sell; he's sharing his passion with others and bringing people together through something as simple as pictures. 
It makes me appreciate the little things in life, like a good cat pic to brighten up your day 
1 dollar or 10 minutes of ur time is just too much for some furry selfies, tbh i got a few feline friends at home too tho 
. In a world where everyone's always connected online, it's so refreshing to see someone create something just for the joy of it. And who doesn't love cat pictures? 
It's not about making a profit or getting famous, it's just Derek Erdman being his quirky self and sharing that with others. I think that's what makes Cat Pix so special - it's a form of digital civil disobedience, reminding us to play, have fun, and not take ourselves too seriously 
I mean I get it, art should be fun and all, but dude's gotta make ends meet 2, right? 
He used to have "civil disobedience" pranks as a kid & now he calls it joyous civil disobedience lol, like what's next? 
! I mean, who wouldn't want free cat pics, right? 
– like, he's basically just spreading joy without expecting anything in return. That's the kinda positivity we need more of, you feel me? 
- like, who wouldn't want cute pics of cats texted to them all day? 
! He's all about spreadin' joy and creatin' something special just 'cause it makes him happy. And honestly, I think we could all use more of that positivity in our lives 
I mean, who wouldn't want some adorable cat pics sent straight to their phone? It's like Erdman is bringing joy into people's lives one text at a time 
The idea of civil disobedience being positive is really inspiring - it's all about living life on your own terms and spreading happiness wherever you go 
. I'm not saying Erdman's not a nice guy, but come on, his story sounds too good to be true. What if he's getting paid by the government to do this? Or maybe it's just a way to distract us from something bigger? IDK, but my conspiracy radar is pinging hard 
!
