"Arnolph Winters began as a simple art project, but over time transformed into a beloved family member. " -Dr. Pretzle---

While browsing the aisles of the local arts and crafts store I was smacked right in the face with inspiration. My mind flooded with images of an art project, and within seconds I saw it in its entirety, from start to finish. The five-inch wooden coffin was the spark, and the block of balsa wood revealed the story. The plan was to carve a man small enough to eventually fit inside the coffin and then bury him in a pot of live grass. All summer long I had been filling in holes and planting grass in them because our beloved family dog would not quit digging in the yard that came with the house we rented. Arnolph Winters was a name borrowed from a character I created years ago while playing Madden. However "Arnie" is the endearing nickname he was fondly referred to by all of the family members. The book chronicles Arnie's entire life, which consisted of only three weeks, and eventual death and funeral. All of the family members experienced it differently. My four year old daughter became very attached, playing with him everyday and in the end she rescued Arnie from his planned demise. I had help building props and setting up photo's from my eleven year old son. My wife seemed to become nervous and concerned after realizing Arnie was less of a joke and more of a filler for male bonding and companionship.
I am not exaggerating when I say my feelings for the project and Arnie were beyond my control. I admit I became obsessed with Arnie, but because of this I gained an intense and unsettling amount of self-awareness. By the end when Arnie was gone I felt immense relief and was ready to move on.