Dog Art Today

Art From Ashes Remembrance Tennis Ball

 

 

Art from Ashes Tennis Ball Remembrance by Bob Burch

Art from Ashes, the company that creates glass remembrances using the ashes from loved ones, has added a new sculpture to their repertoire, a tennis ball.  The piece was inspired by Java, a 12 1/2 year-old Border Collie, who recently passed away.   Java's owner requested a keepsake that would honor what Java loved doing the most, chasing his favorite tennis ball.  Bob Burch, the Art from Ashes resident artist, incorporated Java's ashes into the core of this remarkable tennis ball sculpture, then added the seam and left it roughed up, unlike the sleek, polished style of his other pieces.  The result is an authentic, "slobbery" sculpture that is a comfort to hold.   I just love the wit and originality of this piece.  It's a new template for honoring those sporty dogs we all know who never sat still in life and don't belong sitting static on a mantle as a memory.   Beautiful job.

 

 

 

Java and his Beloved Tennis Ball

 

Glass Remembrance Tennis Ball by Bob Burch

 

Mixed with the Real Ones

For more information about this remembrance visit Art from Ashes.

Try to break away from the 10-year memorials of 9/11 this weekend.  I know I have trouble doing it, and then wonder why I can't stop crying.  Watch some US Open tennis or toss the ball to your pup.  Every year I still can't believe the attacks really happened and, in a weird way what's more shocking is how we have moved on...how the unbearable becomes bearable.

Art from Ashes Remembrance Jewelry by Nancy Tobey

 

Art from Ashes is a company that creates jewelry and glass art using bit of ashes from a loved one.  I've featured them before here and here.  In January, glass bead artist Nancy Tobey joined the team and I think one of her pieces would make a soulful gift for someone who is grieving the loss of a pet (or person) this Valentine's Day.  Although I'm not always big on recommending gift certificates as gifts, this is such a personal decision that I feel it is absolutely appropriate.  Sometimes people need time to decide what to do with ashes and come to terms with the loss.  Giving someone that gift of support and opportunity turn a memory into a treasure would be truly loving.   Include a bouquet of flowers too, of course.

Art from Ashes owners Deb Brown, Jenny Bourgeois, and Jane Giat are offering a 10% discount for Dog Art Today readers. Use the coupon code: DOGART10.

My DNA is drawn to this piece inspired by Irish Worry Stones...

Martha Tabis's Quilted Dogs

Fiber artist and avid quilter Matha Tabis uses free-motion quilting and raw-edge appliqué to create custom pet portraits with fabric scraps, tulle, and colorful threads and yarns.  Look closely and you'll see she can also include your dog's actual pet tag in the piece.  What a beautiful way to memorialize a pup who has passed away.  I don't usually feature pet memorials because they depress me.  But these make me smile.  Her cat portraits are  wonderful too...

Visit Martha's brand new blog to learn more about her and her work.  She also has tips on how to DIY.

Slum Dogs of India by Eloise Leyden

 

I've been meaning to feature British photographer Eloise Leyden's book, Slum Dogs of India, for some time.  When the Academy Award Nominations were announced this morning, I remembered "Slumdog Millionaire" won Best Picture last year, and thought today is the perfect day to celebrate the actual slum dogs of India through these amazing photographs. 

I love the deep, rich color of these works.  I love that Leyden chose to include people in her compositions, to highlight the reality to dogs and Indians competing and cooperating to achieve an existence in their poor, crowded, beautiful land.   I also love that during the year Leyden spent photographing the dogs, she became involved with TOLFA (Tree of Life for Animals) an Indian-based charity that treats, neuters and vaccinates owned (often working animals) as well as owner-less (stray dogs and cows predominantly) at its hospital/shelter located near Pushkar in Rajasthan.  A portion of book sales also go to TOLFA.

The book features 150 images and is as much about India as its dogs.  It is available here.  Also, limited edition giclee prints of Leyden's photographs are available at her website.  She is now back in Great Britain photographing pups in people's homes.  If you are in the Dorset or Hampshire area and looking for a one-of-a-kind pet photographer, contact Eloise.  The book, a print, or a session with her would make a great Valentine's Day gift.

Art from Ashes Video and Reader Discount

Art from Ashes is the only pet memorial company I have ever featured on Dog Art Today.  View this video and you'll see why I think it is the best...

Art from Ashes has kindly offered a permanent 10% discount to all Dog Art Today readers. Simply use the code DOGART10 on the checkout page when you place your order. 

See my other articles about Art from Ashes here.