Sleeping Dogs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dogs  and humans  began to be friends, the archeologists say, as a consequence of both having a similar diet. Each of us helped the other survive. Dogs have clearly evolved a bit since then.

I’ve always used carving to relieve myself of the stress of carving. Dogs have been a favorite subject over the years. And yes, I love dogs, and the current one, Henry the St. Bernard, merits all respect.

These sculptures eventually became the work “Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man- Let Sleeping Dogs Lie”. I have often found that the time required to do a work in stone leads to a blur of when. A work might take years to come together.

I have always loved a good sense of humor, wherever it might show up. I try to bear humor in mind when I am carving an improvisation.

Dogs sleeping are so peaceful and trusting… I use them as a metaphor for all of us, lulled asleep, unaware of being perceived.

I have done a couple memorials for lost pets. As a pet lover, I get it. Life as an artist for hire can be more emotionally involving than one expects.

I like moving the dogs around in my yard; a forklift is such an indispensable tool for a stone carver. The moving of a work seems to keep it alive.

Just hanging out- thank you- such a beautiful day!

I will have to upload pics of these guys in the snow. They are so peaceful and unaware of the cold, they almost bring a sense of spring as they sleep through the winter.