Meet York’s Biggest Cat: The vibrant feline adds an air of divinity to Royal Square.

When Central PA artist John Speaker got the offer to complete his first-ever outdoor mural with Sprocket this summer, he jumped at the chance.

Getting out of the studio and onto the streets to create ‘Royal Awakening’ was like a dream to him.

“I loved spending long days outside working on an enveloping canvas, chatting with people passing by, and listening to the collective daily rhythm of the city,” Speaker said. 

His piece shows a giant orange cat with third-eye energy bursting through the feline’s crown, a bigger version of a much smaller painting he’d done a few years back. 

The piece is an ode to the royal nature of cats. 

“It’s pretty impossible to meet a cat that doesn’t fancy themself as the ruler of their domain,” Speaker said. “Often, we find ourselves playing by their rules whether we realize it or not.”

To Speaker, the piece is also symbolic – its straightforward gaze serves as a mirror for those who behold it. The third eye, a marker of humanity’s deep connection to reality.

“I hope that the viewer can see themselves reflected back in this piece and realize that they too are a divine being of importance,” Speaker said. “The open third eye begs the viewer to realize their own wisdom.”

Although from Central PA originally, Speaker is just settling into the area again after spending almost 10 years in Colorado. Working on the piece, he was surprised at how quickly he began to feel at home while working in York.

“What stuck with me the most was getting to have conversations with the local community,” he said. “I love how art can serve to connect two people who otherwise may never really have a reason to chat for a bit.”

‘Royal Awakening’ is located in York at the Royal Square Arts District. The address is 129 E. Princess Street.