Although he stands at attention in all his finery, Earnest Owl serves no earthly function other than to make you smile. He so desparately wants to help. You can see it in his eyes, which seem to say “Please, tell me I’m good.”

Owls are irresitable. We humans seem to project all our emotions onto their expressive faces, whether it be mystery, melancholy, intelligence, or in the case of Earnest, insecurity. Plus, they are just plain cute. It must be the big head and eyes that triggers that baby response in us.

• Sculpture