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Tomorrow marks the 4 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Artist Josh Neufeld's new graphic novel A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge
Several of the "characters" must face the storm and evacuation with their pups. I hope they all survived.
Read The New York Times article about the novel.
Videos and behind the scenes info about the making of the novel at Smith, the online story magazine that collaborated with Neufeld on the project.
Visit Josh Neufeld's website for lots more.
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Last Sunday at Horsetail Lake in Cook County, IL, renowned sculptor Vasily Fedorouk and his wife, Dilbara Arapova, were playing ball with their dog, Era. The 2 1/2 -year-old German hunting terrier chased the ball into the lake and became entangled in the weeds. Fedorouk, 59, jumped into the
lake and rescued him, but became entangled himself. His wife and a bystander, both of whom cannot swim, called the police. They arrived 8 minutes later, but it was too late. Fedorouk had drowned in 6 to 8 feet of water.
I know this is a tragic story. But, it is also one of tremendous heroism. And when I read that his wife said, "He would want to be remembered for his art. He [once] told me that after he dies, his art will still live on forever." I thought it would be fitting to share his work with other dog and art lovers. I think his sculptures are awesome -- in the fullest sense of the word. I am in awe.
To his family, I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words to help you grieve, but know that his works and his selflessness are an inspiration to me as an artist and pet companion.
View more of Vasily Fedorouk's work at his website.
Read full Chicago Tribune article by Joseph Ruzich.
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When Tamandra Michaels's 8 year-old German Shepherd, Borias, was diagnosed with bulging discs, she was devastated. Borias is Tamandra's helper dog, her partner, guardian, and constant companion, and now he needs her help. As an artist, Tamandra has a creative approach to life, so she turned to her paints and created the Forever in my Heart Series, a collaboration of her iconic heart designs and Borias's paw dipped in blue.
She brought some samples to Borias's doctors office and orders for more started coming in. Now sales of her series go right on Borias's tab for his treatments. And as more come in, she hopes to be able to contribute to more animals in need through various charities, an excellent pay it forward approach to a crisis.
Here are the details: paintings come in sizes from 12"x12", to 3'X3', and are done with acrylics, finished with a glossy varnish. The colors vary, but are done in shades of green, yellow and red. The paw print is bright true blue. Prices start at $75. Orders are usually finished within a week.
To order yours and learn more about Tamandra, visit her blog, My Heart Dog. She was also featured in my first Studio Spotlight.
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I've often thought C.M. Coolidge's "A Friend in Need" was ripe for parody. That's why I got a kick out of Mark Sowa's reinterpretation of it entitled "Thursday night Book Club" or "Dogs Reading Books."
Mark says his version was inspired by thinking "about friends gathered together, and what better iconic image to use than 'A Friend In Need' by C.M. Coolidge? Although the classic original is instantly recognizable, people usually know it as simply 'Dogs Playing Poker', and hardly anyone knows who the artist is. Our interpretation pays homage to Mr. Coolidge, while at the same time 'uplifting' the casual pursuits of its participants. What could be more politically correct?"
He's right. No smoking, drinking, gambling, or cheating. But still lots of fun.
Mark's version is available at his Owl Square Press which specializes in bookish prints. I think he has a new future in bookish dog prints too.
And here's the original (available at Amazon
Watch a video of the reinterpretation:
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