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In the painting Sweet and Low, just above the
Basset Hound's tail, a scribbled blurb, "tail of the tape," points
to a trompe l'oeil yellow tape measure that borders the
canvas. Actually the term "Tale of the Tape" is often used in the
sport of boxing - a list matching the physical dimensions of competitors
before a bout - usually a comparison of height, weight, arm reach,
age, etc. etc. My play on words, of course, re-focuses the spotlight from
the pugilist to the pup.
But I knew even before finishing this painting that the body of work
for Dog Park had to be about far more than the physical dimensions
of dogs. For me it is about the lessons I have learned from watching
dogs...their unabashed, joyful anticipation of and participation in their
daily outings.
When I considered Dog Park as my title it became clear that what I
needed to do was to follow the dog's "lead" and apply their spirited
liberation to painting itself. In a dog park the area is somewhat
defined and somewhat familiar but each day the encounters are different,
the surroundings modify, the characters changes roles, the terrain varies
with foreground and background taking turns in importance. One day a bullet-like
sprint up the hill is followed by a lingering sniff in the grass, then
suddenly a distraction and a spirted chase. Another day, a cloudburst
warrants an antsy, interminable wait in the car only to be rewarded
with yummy, oozing mud puddles. Getting dirty. Wiping off. Letting go.
Yes, there are plenty of canines filling the canvases of this series
but what I hope fills the paintings is my sense of enjoyment. I feel like
I am running with the muse again, off the leash, open to surprises,
following my nose to discover a new direction...just like a romp in the park.
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