Stray Dog Arts

December 1

2009-12-01T08:16:00.010-06:00

It feels amazing to me that today is the first day of December. The pond has frozen over in a fragile sheath of ice for the first time this year. It's been a process of freezing, starting at the edges, and has been going on for weeks. But this morning it has finally found its way across the entire surface.

I love the pond outside our house. It reminds me of Thoreau and a favorite quote:

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

This is a quote that I have lived my life by. I came across it in high school and have made many decisions in its echo since.

It seems surreal to me that it's already been 4 months since we moved from the middle of a city to the almost-middle-of-nowhere. We moved at the end of July. In mid-August I got really sick with Rocky Mountain spotted fever (most definitely the strangest illness I've every acquired!). I had to drop everything for an entire month--the unpacking, painting, my work. Everything. That was difficult for me to do. I am pretty hard-driven and to be stopped in my tracks is not something I'm very good at. Not to mention, my schedule was already packed to the gills. Those lost weeks were not something I had to spare. From there it was a domino effect in trying to catch up. A big solo exhibition, many events, two major projects, and a handful of commissions later...here we are taking our first step into December. Time is a tricky monkey. It's gone from July to December in one fell swoop. Blink! This must be how it happens, how we grow old. This is how one day we wake up and we're 90, remembering how young we felt when we were 35. All I can say is: dang. I hope I live to be a 1,000.

And so today I drink my coffee out of an especially fragile cup. Some days I prefer the thickness of hand-thrown ceramic. Other days, like today, I prefer the fragility of fine china. I think it says something about how I'm going to approach my day. Sometimes I put on my old jeans, a sweater and boots and dig into my day with a full heart. Other days I like to move more deliberately. I like paying attention to the delicate surface tension that stretches itself across the pond, a fine combination of stretched lace and glass. Who knows, my mid-afternoon I might switch to that heavy ceramic mug, but for now I am content with the subtle features of the morning.

There are so many things to share and catch up with you in the space of this blog. Photos, stories, events, paintings...they wait in files on my computer and in my head and on my camera. But, for now, here is just a little slice of one moment out of one morning. This is my life as an artist. And, this morning, it is a life lived deliberately.

Here's to a December filled with a life worth living.

ps.
Photo taken by my husband, Vinny, this past weekend. Sitting at my computer in the studio with my wolfie girl, Anu, contentedly asleep at my feet (if only she were in the photo, too!).

early morning in november.

2009-11-14T08:16:00.001-06:00

It's early, but not early enough. I like the dark moments before morning, the moment when the sky is still in a state of predawn. However, with the light comes several notable details such as the sheep that live across the pond. Since the field next to them was cut, I notice that they stand in new configurations. The horses also have moved to another pasture, off the hill and away from the wind. I like the movements of the world surrounding our new home. If only I could slow down my own internal rhythms in the same way.

And so I take this moment to peacefully drink my coffee and do something for myself. Blogging is for me. It uses a different part of my brain. Yes, writing, I miss you. I miss you, but you are always with me. Waiting.

In the bedroom off my office I hear the deep sigh of my dog Louie as he nestles in deeper along Vinny's side. I love weekend mornings when the rest of the house sleeps in. For me, there is really no such thing as a weekend, but there are moments of peace, like this one, that I drink in deeply. I think to myself that someday I might even add some semblance of balance to my life. A life where I take weekends off, even if only occasionally. Where I have days that I wake up only to flop myself on the couch with my legs flung across cushions and a book in my hand. Maybe someday I will make that happen, but for now I catch the same sorts of enjoyments in quick doses. I stop in front of the living room window and take in the changing colors of the season. This new landscape--it is all a constant discovery. Even I am a constant discovery. Always, always learning how to live with myself a little bit better.

Early morning blessings to you, friends. Here's to another day and the endlessness of changing light.

{Featured!} Must see: November Issue of the Mpls St. Paul Magazine

2009-10-22T09:11:00.004-05:00

Yesterday my husband, Vinny, came home from the grocery store with a surprise for me. He had a big smile on his face and a plastic bag about 3 inches thick in his hands.

"I got you something" he said with an especially cute smile and handed it to me.

The bag sort of melted in my hand--square, but curving at the edges the way a small pile of magazines will do.

Eeeeeeee! Squeal of delight! I knew what it was immidiately: the November issue of the Mpls St. Paul Magazine featuring "Custom Made" artisans and a two page spread of yours truly! :)

I don't mean to geek out or brag, but I just have to say that I am a little bit giddy with excitement. I can't help it. I'm excitable when it comes to being featured in glossy publications. Especially good ones! :)

I immidiately took one of the magazines out of the bag, circled the living room a couple times and then sat down in a chair next to the window. I was about to go straight for the article, but decided to torment myself and savor the moment as long as possible. I opened the magazine to page 1 and looked at every single page until I got to page numero 56...which is when I started ooooing and awwwwing and giggling like a maniac over the beautiful layout and my incredibly gorgeous Chesapeake love, Louie: front and center. What's not to love?! He glows! He's practically levitating in the foreground and there's me in the background...glowing, too! And that's exactly how this work makes me feel. Thank you to the photographer, Stephanie Colgan, for capturing that very deep and wonderful feeling.

The article, written by the fabulous Christy DeSmith is absolutely incredible. I moved from the living room window to the kitchen where I read it out loud to Vinny (and any dogs and cats that might listen). Louie, like a giant piece of Velcro, pressed up against my leg the entire time while Ella, our youngest pup, raced circles on the couch behind us. If a family can morph into one huge smile then, in that moment, that is exactly what happened to us. It is an absolute honor to be featured among such hugely talented artists of the Minneapolis area.

Here's to supporting the arts. Thank you, Mpls St. Paul Magazine!

May all dogs be happy!

Whooot! Watch for me in the November issue of the Mpls St. Paul Magazine!

2009-10-17T22:17:00.005-05:00

Out soon! The November issue of the Mpls St. Paul Magazine is all about custom made. And guess who's included!

ps.
Keep another eye on my shop. Great new products are on their way!

16 Little Souls...

2009-10-14T07:30:00.006-05:00

The puppies of Red Lake Rosie's Rescue.

May all dogs be happy!

A special thank you to MARS, TLC, Animal Ark and The Pet Project
for fostering these little babes until they find their forever homes!

A car load of goodies and 16 babes on their way to new homes...

2009-10-14T06:26:00.014-05:00

This past weekend a dog-loving friend of mine (Mary Wick) and I took a road trip up to Red Lake Rosie's Rescue to deliver a car load of donations that began with 2 igloo dog houses from Rachel of Rotta Love Plus. The dog houses turned into a shout-out for more donations on Facebook and in less then two weeks we had our vehicle filled to the brim with more that we were weren't even able to take!

Quite frankly, I am amazed by how little effort it took to gather so much STUFF. I can only wonder how many hundreds of pounds of dog food, cat food, kitty litter and miscellaneous goodies we had packed in the back of my Honda Element. The load also kept us firmly attached to the snowy roads on the way up.

Karen Good of RLRR sends a great big THANK YOU to all of the individuals, organizations and businesses that went out of their way to get this stuff to us. You can be sure that every last bit of it will be put to good use.

It was good to see Karen and to be at the shelter again. It had been almost a year since the last time I've been there and, being my home turf, it felt good to be back again. The landscape of northern Minnesota is where my blood and bones feel most at home. Of course, being surrounded by dogs, trees, fields, open sky and really incredible people makes it even better.

It should come as no surprise that I met some beautiful beings in the process. There was one in particular that I especially fell in love with. A husky named Zenith. Had conditions for adopting a new babe been better, this little guy would have come home with me (without a doubt!). Despite my inability to adopt him, he has lodged himself deep in my heart. In my imagination I've named him "Jack," after my Grandpa Jack whose spirit I always feel near. I have no doubt that this little guy will find a home quickly. And hopefully it will be the best home in the universe, since this is what this lil' puppy deserves.

There was another puppy that stole my heart as well: a baby Spaniel mix who was shaking with cold due to the fact that she's so skinny that her rib and hip bones are sticking out. Puppy food donations are sure to fatten her up. She also lacks a full coat of hair due to mange. What she did receive, however, was a new polka-dog fleecy jacket and a warm place inside the cat house along side another puppy named Boots. The spaniel girl LOVED being held and could not give enough kisses. While I held her close and rubbed warmth back into her little body she just kissed and kissed and kissed me. As you can imagine, I felt a wee bit spoiled with love.

There were puppies galore. So many, in fact, that we took 16 of them back with us to Minneapolis the following day. And so, from Karen's vehicles to ours, we loaded the back of the Element with precious souls headed for the warm houses that awaited. Winter weather has arrived in Minnesota and Karen was so relieved to see her babes get out of the cold--and we were thrilled be taking them.

All in all, it was a great trip filled with more dog-love than one blog post can possibly contain. It's difficult to write about a trip to Red Lake Rosie's. The experience is always deep and full and expansive. It lodges itself somewhere deep inside your spirit and makes it impossible to return as the same person you were before you got there.

Karen is an amazing, glowing spirit who does amazing and incredible work. I love every moment that I've been able to spend with her and urge you to take the plunge and get involved in whatever way fits you best. Maybe you want to take a trip up to Red Lake Rosie's Rescue and help hands on. Maybe you want to do a transport. Maybe it's easier for you to simply donate resources or money. Maybe you have a special talent that you're able to contribute.

Personally, I love working hands on with the animals. I like getting dirty. I like being kissed to death. I like the smell of puppy breath. I like winning the trust of an unsure dog. I like seeing Karen in action. She inspires me. Red Lake Rosie's inspires me. These puppies and dogs inspire me.

Road from Karen's house to the shelter.
(photo taken by Mary Wick)

You can learn more about Red Lake Rosie's Rescue here. Read their blog here. And learn more about donating time and/or resources here.

Be sure and check out photos of some of the puppies we transported here.

with love,
Jessie
(Stray Dog Arts)

Trying to get good photos of your dog?

2009-10-03T13:13:00.002-05:00

Read this.

The best paintings often start with a great photo.

Now get that camera out and go have some fun!

Calling all EDINA dogs!!!

2009-10-03T10:01:00.010-05:00

Upcoming Art Exhibition:

“Dogs of Edina”
A celebration of dogs and the community they create

about the project…
As an artist, I am fascinated by the way dogs of particular neighborhoods reflect the people who live in them. I am also interested in the way dogs bring people together and create a common ground between those who might otherwise remain strangers. These layers of culture and community that are built around dogs and their people interest me greatly.

I am currently looking for participants to become part of an upcoming exhibition: “Dogs of Edina.” This project, the third in an ongoing series, reflects a sense of place and is rooted in a celebration of community.

If your dog lives, works, or plays in the Edina, MN area and is interested in taking part, please contact me.

20% off regular commission prices given for participating dogs!

May all dogs be happy!

Truth Seeking on the 29th day of September.

2009-09-29T09:33:00.001-05:00

Cool fall morning. Lavender scarf. Dogs running through tall grass. Slanting early sunlight. Golden wooded trails. The sharp smell of something green and growing. Frost on the studio roof. A double espresso. Comfortable gray sweater. A long day of painting, beginning with this post.

Anu :: {an update on my girl}

2009-09-28T09:42:00.007-05:00

I just want to send a great big thank you for all of the supportive and thoughtful comments, messages, phone calls and emails that I got after writing about Anu this past week. You have no idea how blessed it makes me feel to have such incredibly loving people in my life.

Although I don't have a lot of time to write, I just wanted to let you know that she is doing better. Not perfect, but much better.

For now, we are giving her pain medication to make her feel more comfortable and she is responding really well to it. Her tests showed mixed results. There are some abnormal cells, but no conclusive answers just yet. She will need to get more tests for us to know for sure if it's cancer or not, but since treatment is not really an option due to her age and the size of the lump, we will just keep a close eye on her and bring her back to the vet for another look in a week or two.

In the process of all of this, we've been lucky to find a really wonderful vet in our area. Since moving, our regular vet is an hour away, too far for Anu to travel under the circumstances. Knowledgeable and caring veterinary care means a lot to me--and Dr. Geoffrey Passe of Cannon Valley Vet Clinic is just that. They got us in, despite a tight schedule and took the time we needed to make Anu feel a bit better and to put my husband and I at ease.

I admit that I was a bit of a wreck when I called in. With last minute preparations for a major show and magazine photo shoot also on my plate, this has been a very full week. Anu got sick right smack dab in the middle of it all and I think my heart came just as close as it ever could to breaking into a million peices. I can't even tell you how grateful I am to still have Anu by my side as I continue these long days of working and painting. Every time I look down at her, every time I touch her, every time I kiss her or hug her or feed her or look into her big brown beautiful eyes or even just think about her...I am filled with relief that the Universe decided to give me a break and grant me more time with her.

I was just seriously not ready to say goodbye. I never will be...but I am grateful for every single extra moment I'm given--whether it's a week or a year. I snuggle my face deep into her neck (my favorite part of her) and breathe deep the sweet smell of her wolfie hair. She stays closer to my side than she ever has before. We are savoring each other--all of us. We might have some tough days ahead, but right now there is happiness in her eyes. And I remind myself that this might be nothing at all. Whatever it is, in a very big way, it has caused me to appreciate what I have right here and now.

Thank you, Dr. Geoffrey, for helping us out during a difficult and scary time. Thank you, friends, for doing the same. Your stories, love, and well wishes mean a lot--to all of us.

Sending you lots of slobbery dog kisses,
Jessie

Love...and all that goes along with it.

2009-09-24T21:28:00.001-05:00

Last night I slept on the floor of my studio with my wolfie girl, Anu. It's a garage, really. Complete with mice and spiders and things that go bump in the night. But I would do anything for my dogs. And they would do anything for me. My twelve year old babe is not doing very well. She is one of the most important beings in my life. I am exhausted. My eyes are so swollen from crying that they are starting to hurt. I am beside myself with grief and yet I keep telling myself to buck up because she might just pull through--at least for awhile and, who knows, maybe even longer.

I honestly didn't know if she'd make it through the night, but decided against emergency vet care because I could not stand the thought of being told that I'd have to leave her there, alone, without the ones who love her. My worst fear is of her dying alone. No one should die alone. Not even a dog.

But we made it to morning. Several tests and bloodwork later, we're not sure what's going on with her. She has a large growth that might be cancerous and maybe not. It's been there for a long time, but recently it's started changing, at a rapid rate. Her bloodwork pointed to some abnormalities, but nothing 100% conclusive. If it is cancer, there's not much we can do except make her last days comfortable--whether it be 6 days, 6 weeks, 6 months or 6 years. She is, after all, an old girl. We've been advised to simply take it one day at a time. I'm trying to remind myself of that. I tell myself to stay present, lest I melt into a puddle of tears.

Right now, Anu is asleep on the floor near my feet. Behind me, my other dogs, Louie and Ella, they have their legs wrapped around each other in sweet muggle-puffin play. They know something is up, their movements are especially quiet and gentle. Louie, my Chessie, is the most sensitive. His thoughtful expression breaks my heart again. Both the pups stop and sniff Anu and keep a watchful eye on her. We stay close and surround her with love.

Needless to say, my world is filled to the brim. So much love that I feel it sharply, painfully. Maybe everything is going to be alright. No matter what the outcome, in the end, I know it will be alright. But life just seems to be happening all at once these days. And, damn. This is just a bit too much.

My wolfie girl is my heart.

I don't want to have to say goodbye.

Home Sweet Home: Vineyard views at the new Stray Dog Arts studio.

2009-09-11T00:17:00.003-05:00

my little ella bean...

2009-08-21T23:22:00.002-05:00

No words needed.

Truman.

2009-08-20T20:31:00.007-05:00

There are certain dogs with certain names that I just fall in love with. Truman is one of them.

Lately, I've been meeting some really great dogs. I mean really, REALLY great dogs. I recently did a photoshoot with Truman in preparation for his portrait that I'll be painting in celebration of his mama who just turned 40. He is loved beyond words and the whole family knows it. They know it so well that Mama Truman's dad and siblings commissioned his portrait as a gift. It is an extra treat for me because they just happen to live in Minneapolis which means that I was able to meet Truman, the wonderful, in person.

Truman reminds me a little bit of a dog I once met while hiking in the Himilayas of Nepal. The hike itself was nearly a month long. But one day I met a white dog who was laying on top of his home's low, earthen roof. That dog felt like a being from another world to me. He was so peaceful and alert all at once. Like Truman, it was a light colored lab. Most likely, it was a mutt. Perhaps a puppy from an unwanted litter, this was one of the few dogs that had actually been taken in by a family. I could tell that dog was loved--it was obvious in ways that are both felt and seen. Like Truman.

I've learned a lot about dogs since my wanderlust days in the Himilayas. And, yet, I never cease to be amazed by the beings I meet. Each dog is so unique, so full of their very own character. It just about bowls me over. I start to understand something that I never understood before...something unspoken, something very hard to explain but that makes me feel closer to myself and, therefore, the world around me.

I look forward to starting Truman's painting. I think it is a really cool way to celebrate a person's life journey. Sometimes it just doesn't seem fair that I should get to have a job that I enjoy so much. But, I'll tell you, I am thankful for it every single day.

Happy Birthday, Mama Truman! You are a lucky mama, indeed. :)

Inspiration.

2009-08-18T19:51:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite animal rescues in the Universe is "A Place to Bark." It is run by a woman named Bernie Berlin, a woman who I only know through her blog, but who is an endless source of inspiration for me and for many others. I love this video and just thought I'd share! Enjoy. Then go find an animal to love. xo

Movie created by the fantastically creative Suzi Blu.

On the air!

2009-08-11T13:00:00.017-05:00

You know that feeling you get when you go to a great big water park or go swimming in a new lake? That feeling of excitement and uncertainty all rolled into one?

Yep, that's how it felt to be on the radio for the first time. It was a lot of fun! I've had the wonderful honor of doing plenty of podcast interviews, but never LIVE and never on the radio!

Radio holds a place that is rooted somewhere deep in my childhood memories. It brings up a feeling of fascination for me. When I was growing up, my parents owned a flower shop and so, as a child, much of my time was spent riding around with them in the car making deliveries or running errands. The radio was always on. My child-mind often pondered: How do they make that magic happen?! You can imagine how I felt stepping into a room filled with headsets and microphones! Oh, the beautiful under-belly of radio! My immature self immidiately made herself present as I giggled in wonder at all the chords and paraphernalia used to make a radio show come to life.

Three. Two. One! The music starts and any nervousness I felt just sort of fell away. Sage is an expert radio personality! How would I know? Because I got to watch her in action!

You can listen to the show for yourself via podcast here.

Thank you, Sage of Dancing Porcupine, for having Sarah Ernhart (of Sarah Beth Photography) and me on your show!

You can listen to The Pet Playground
every Sunday evening at 6-7pm on AM950-KTNF
or catch up with archived shows here.

While you're at it, check out Sage's incredible book, JAVA: The True Story of a Shelter Dog Who Rescued a Woman. This book captures every bit of Sage's authentic, passionate, and radiant spirit.

My favorite books are the ones that help to remind us that the best place to live from is our heart. Sage's story is an incredible reminder of just that.

Read.
Listen.
Be well.

May all dogs be happy!

Ridin' the Airwaves: Radio Interview tonight!

2009-08-09T14:55:00.003-05:00

It's time to play with Sage Lewis, The Creature Teacher! The Pet Playground is an entertaining and educational call in show for pets and the people who love them.

Tonight I have the great honor of being interviewed by Sage Lewis of Dancing Porcupine. I will be joined by the wonderful Sarah of Sarah Beth Photography as a fellow guest. Sarah and I love collaborating with each other when given the chance. To be interviewed on the radio together with Sage, well, that's an added bonus!

I look forward to sharing a little bit about my life and work as a pet portrait artist. Let's connect over the good things in life!

Please join us tonight!
The Pet Playground - Your Place to Play
Sunday, August 9th, 6-7pm
AM950 KTNF

Pour yourself a nice tall glass of lemonade and head out to the front porch to relax and listen in. Not a Minnesota listener? Technology is a wonderful thing! Audio stream via KTNF's website here.

Busy out playing in the sun? No worries! A podcast will be available for your listening pleasure here.

Have any burning question for me, Sarah, or Sage? Call in! We'd love to hear from you!

Listener Call in #952-946-6205

Meet Henry...

2009-08-08T21:07:00.002-05:00

"Henry"
6"x12" Oil On Canvas

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Henry. Henry is hereby the very first portrait that I have completed in my new studio space. He's also a gift from a set of siblings for their parents' wedding anniversary. I love painting portraits that will be given as gifts.. It always amazes me that there are such thoughtful people in the world who go out of their way to have such personal and meaningful gestures of love created for the important people in their lives. Art is love--and so is Henry.

These past several weeks have felt more than a little overwhelming with our recent move along with summer events and projects. There is one thing in the world that puts me right back to center and that is painting. No matter how much I have going on...painting makes me feel calmer in a nano-second. Of course, painting a really great dog makes it even easier to breathe deeper and be inspired.

Thank you, Henry, for making me feel good. :) You were painted in the company of 3 great dogs, double espressos, and some really great music in a fresh, new, and not yet unpacked studio space.

You were a perfect beginning to all that is to come.

Happy Anniversary Mama and Papa Henry!!!

with love,
jessie

Louie, my muse.

2009-07-24T21:00:00.005-05:00

Slowly, slowly we are getting settled into our new place. Did I mentioned that the home and studio of Stray Dog Arts moved this past weekend? It has been interesting, difficult, and wonderful all at the same time. We're exhausted and excited all at once. My husband, Vinny, snuck this photo of Louie and me recharging our batteries this afternoon. I realize that this isn't exactly the most flattering photo of me. I'm a little reluctant to post it, but what the hell. It's a real moment and those are the best kind. I just love the way it totally captures the comfort that Louie gives me. He is my rock, my anchor, my inspiration, my endless source of love, contentment and security.

The connection I feel with Louie is both deep and special. His thoughtfulness amazes me on a daily basis. He is one of a kind. And, yet, I know that this is a connection shared between many of my clients and the dogs they've asked me to paint. To sit in the middle of this love with a paint brush in hand is a pretty incredible thing. Taking a five minute break to recharge my creative batteries with Louie, well, that's a pretty incredible thing, too.

These days, as I pack and unpack boxes, it is the little things that I am enjoying the most. Things like this short little cat nap, the way the light in the living room takes on a golden glow in the afternoon, the prehistoric sounds of the two egrets who hang out in the middle of the pond, the beauty of a perfect cup of coffee while grooving out to James Brown out it the studio, watching my husband play guitar under the willow tree in the mellowness of evening, the bright colors of our freshly steam cleaned rugs--you know...the little things. They are the best.

What about you? What are some of the best things in your world?

Optimism.

2009-06-28T22:48:00.005-05:00

I can't help it. I'm an optimist. My husband says I'm an idealist. He calls himself a realist (which, let's admit, is pretty much just a slight upgrade from being a pessimist). I was mildly surprised when he didn't call me a dreamer. I was prepared to argue. I won't argue with being an idealist though--because it's true.

I tend to walk around with an ideal version of what I want things to look like or turn out like or...yeah...I keep it tucked somewhere at the back of my eyeballs and I'll be damned if I'm gonna give up trying to manifest it on one level or another. I do this with painting, with living, with writing, with everything. I suppose this could be construed as stubborn or determined...and, yes, this is true of me also--a positive or negative trait, depending on how one looks at it. :)-

Sometimes my version of "ideal" changes. But one thing I'm fairly certain of is that my ideal version of life doesn't look like most people's. If it did, I'm pretty sure that I would not get so excited about the potential of a dirtly ol' garage in the middle of nowhere.

The garage, an earth-home constructed workshop, is about to become the home of the Stray Dog Arts studio. I've been letting my imagination run away from me on a fairly regular basis and am looking forward to the two larger-than-life paintings that I'd like to start once I get moved in. One will be of an English Mastiff named Beatrice. The other one will be of my grandpa. For some reason, it fascinates me to paint the two of them at the same time. I admit that painting my grandpa scares me. I'm afraid that painting him is going to make me love him even more. This scares me because, no matter how lucky you are, grandpas don't get to live forever. I guess that's one thing that grandpas and dogs have in common--and I love both, dearly. Come to think of it, that old garage that I am turning into my studio reminds me of my grandpa--completely--and that's probably one of the reasons I like it so much.

It even has a window that looks like it belongs on the side of a ship. On the other side of those big windows is where the garden starts. Despite the late start, I am planting bright red sunflowers and riotous bursts of zinnias. We'll also scatter some butterfly garden seeds, carrots, and sugar snap peas. I like imagining what it will be like to get lost in work up to the workbench and then look up into a world of bloom. I've been calling this year my year of "wild bloom." I had no idea that it would manifest itself so literally. Then again, this year has been full of surprises. This surprise just happens to be heavenly.

Although we don't technically move in for another 2 weeks, today Vinny and I spent several hours tilling the new garden space (and if you've ever done much gardening, you probably know just how difficult this is to do!). Behind the studio we'll plant tomatoes, more sunflowers, moon flowers, potatoes, peppers, string beans, spinach, lettuce, swiss chard, zucchini and some basil. I love it that I am going to be surrounded by growing things! Anyway, I've been meaning to give you a brief introduction to our new place and so here it is.

Here's to the optimism of growth. Here's to turning a dirty old garage into the best place on earth. Here's to bursting into wild bloom. Here's to turning inside out in the process. Here's to remembering who we are. Here's to living authentically. Here's to breathing deep and being crowded with unexpected joys.

Come visit me at the Edina Art Fair! June 5th, 6th and 7th

2009-06-02T21:36:00.009-05:00

My studio is exploding with artwork in preparation for this weekend's big event: the Edina Art Fair. You can find me at booth #505--right across the street from the Edina Theater on 50th, near 50th and France in Edina.

Oooh! Oooh! Ooooh! I can't wait! OK, I'm up to my eyeballs in paint and I am once again in the process of pulling magic out of thin air. Magic: that's what I call the act of painting massively large amounts in desperately small amounts of time. I admit, I thrive under this sort of pressure. And I am very excited to unveil some of my latest work including a portrait of "Echo," the beautiful Great Dane belonging to Molly of Metro Pets. I have a few obsessions. One is big, sleek, beautiful dogs. Another is vintage signage. And, let's not forget, there's also my obsession with HUGE paintings! This one measures over 6 feet long. Oh JOY! Big enough to guarantee that I will be putting in a couple more verrry late nights in order to get it finished in time for Friday.

This is the direction I'm headed in (and getting closer!)...

I'm also obsessed with extremes. While working on Echo's giant painting, I've also been working on an entire series of 6"x6" paintings as well as creating 4" square and ATC prints. These are seriously fun! Then again, leave it up to me to make a tennis ball look moody. I've been giving my obsessive tendencies full range to play. And you know what? I feel INSPIRED!!!

Obviously, I should not be blogging. Am I even making sense? Well, if not, I'm gonna blame it on the paint fumes. All I know is that this chica is looking forward to sitting outside in my trusty ol' art fair tent for three days straight! I like to think of it as forced relaxation. Not to mention, I might get to see YOU! :)

the power of charm....

2009-05-17T21:52:00.004-05:00

Today I met with a husky mix named Sadie for a photo shoot. It was early which made for wonderful light. Sadie, along with her mom, met me at a coffee shop and--oh my(!)--I think I will be returning there often. I love finding new places that posses charm. You know, it is the little things that inspire me the most. And speaking of inspired...those eyes of Sadie's have me under a spell!

Today is another one of those days when I feel extraordinarily happy to be doing what I do. Painting intelligent, sensitive, intuitive, beautiful dogs...I mean, seriously, could it possibly get any better than this?

I can't help it. I'm still obsessed with tennis balls.

2009-05-14T17:26:00.005-05:00

I've been in the studio playing with a whole new pallette of colors.
And shapes.
And sizes.
And...

Life is good.
Stay tuned. ;)

In the spirit of collaboration...

2009-05-13T19:42:00.029-05:00

Every once in awhile life offers wonderful opportunities to collaborate--and Sarah of Sarah Beth Photography is one of the creative treats that the Universe has planted in my path. I enjoy working with Sarah whenever possible and, since a good painting often starts with a good photo...well, I think the rewards of collaborating with her are obvious.

Above is a photo that Sarah took of her dog, Gracie, who kept me company at the Animal Humane Society's Walk for Animals. Yep, that's me in the background--and Gracie is wearing a crisp new hankie in support of our friends from Pampered Pooch Playground (my dogs FAVORITE place in the ENTIRE universe!!!). While Sarah ran around with her camera capturing awesome shots of the event, Gracie and I had a good time saying hello to all the dogs and goats and people that came by my booth. The Walk was a great success with LOTS of people and BLUE skies!

Currently, I am seeking participants to become involved in a fund raising project and art exhibition in partnership with the Animal Humane Society. If you've been thinking about having your pet's portrait painted, now is your chance to have 20% of the commission cost go directly to animal rescue efforts! Sarah has kindly offered her photo shoot talents at a discounted rate. Please contact me if you're interested in learning more.

Recently Sarah and I also collaborated on a portrait of the beautiful dappled Daschund, Ms. Lola:

Lola's "papa" chose a photo of her carrying a shoe in her mouth because that is what she does most of the time. Oh, the little pink shoe. Lola is always with her beloved squeaky stuffed shoe. I love how that happens...how an image can "speak" to a person. Images hold stories. They hold memories. And they have the potential to hold incredible amounts of love. That's the part that I most enjoy capturing. Lola is one cool dog... and I only wish I had more time to just keep painting portraits of her. Gosh, I love it when I feel that way!

Roxy is another good example of collaborative inspiration. I mean, maybe it was just my imagination, but I swear I could hear a choir of angels singing every time I worked on Roxie's portrait! ha! What a beauty she is. Roxy belongs to Trish and Keith, the fantabulous owners of Pampered Pooch. Around our house we call them "Auntie Trish and Uncle Keith" because that is exactly who our dogs think they are. Actually, we usually have to whisper their names lest the dogs hear us and GO CRAZY with JOY at the thought of them!

The thing is that, when we pay attention, dogs are ALWAYS bringing people together. We talk to people, we become friends with people, sometimes we even fall in love with another person because of the dogs we spend time with.

I suppose that, for some, being a full time artist might be considered a lonely endeavor. I must admit, it is hard to get lonely when working with dogs. Dogs come with people and, often, they are the best people of all. People like Sarah and Trish and Keith are most definitely a perk in this dog-loving world I have so happily fallen into.

Sarah and I met through animal rescue work. As our creative lives continue to grow so does our friendship. One of the first collaborative projects we did together was of a dog named Mandy. Let us not forget dear Mandy!

Mandy, a whirlwind of energy, is a rescue dog whose portrait I painted for a fundraiser and art show held last November. Sarah took photos of Mandy at an adoption event in an effort to help her win the heart of a loving somebody. And it worked!

It seems to be the downfall of many artists (or critics or whoever) to sometimes get caught up in the notion that everything we do should be born out of a creative vacuum. Yes, I think it is important to have a strong style and even better to have a strong sense of self, but let's face it: it is impossible not to be, in some way, inspired by the world around us.

To me, art is a process of evolution--and I am endlessly fascinated by the way art connects us to the worlds that exist both within and around us.

And so, in the spirit of collaboration,
I leave you with the words of Helen Keller:

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

May all dogs be happy!

May the rest of us be lucky enough to be surrounded by friends
and creative cohorts who spark inspiration, allowing us to see
the details and beauties that exist beyond the scope of our own eyes.

See more great photos by Sarah here.

Animals of AHS :: Art Exhibition and Fundraiser :: project launch!

2009-04-29T12:55:00.018-05:00

CALLING ALL PET LOVERS!!!!

Dogs, cats, rats, ferrets, parrots, horses, and rabbits... all are invited to participate!

20% of all commissions associated with this project will be donated to the Animal Humane Society.

Help support animal rescue efforts by commissioning a portrait today!

Want to get involved?

Learn more about how you can help animals in need by participating in this art exhibition and fundraising opportunity here.

And if you're in the Minneapolis area, stop by my tent in the Flealess Market this Saturday, May 2nd at the Walk for Animals!

May all ANIMALS be happy!