Tag: book

Camilla Engman: The Morran Book Project

The Morran Book Project

Last September, Swedish artist Camilla Engman’s friend Adolfo Serra suggested she publish a book with illustrations of her beloved dog Morran created by artists from all over the world. Then, another friend, Lynn Louise Larson, suggested all the proceeds from the book go to a charity that helps dogs. Camilla posted about the idea on her blog. People liked it. So she put the call out to artists, and soon the Morran images started rolling in. To help her curate the incredible response, she put together a jury. Together they selected what images would go where, but Camilla had already decided to include them all.

At the end of November, Morran passed away. Camilla was flooded with condolences and more illustrations of her sweet girl. Somehow, through her grief, Camilla created the book and got it published on Blurb in time for Christmas. Since then, The Morran Book Project has raised over $1000 for the WSPA, a Sweditsh organization dedicated to the protection of animals.

And it doesn’t stop there. Camilla also started a blog where she posted every Morran image that was sent to her. And she encourages artists to keep sending them. So if you missed the book deadline, you can still be a part of this global dog-art tribute to one of the most endearing, and enduring, muses ever to grace the art world. Anyone who knows Camilla’s work, knows how precious Morran was to her. She was her muse in the studio, a subject of her paintings, her companion on walks in the woods, and sidekick on vacation. She was the namesake of Camilla’s new website Studio Morran. Camilla never made apologies for being totally gaga for Morran (except when she was compelled to apologize to her husband for leaving him out of a photobooth session).

I was so sad when I read Morran had died. I didn’t know she was sick. I didn’t know her. But I thought she was still a young pup because she was always on the go, though she was an outstanding nap-taker. But, as Camilla expressed it on her blog, through The Morran Book Project, she channeled her sadness into “something good.”

Picking favorites was impossible. I highly recommend you visit the book’s blog and see them all for yourself.

If you would like to contribute, click here for the specs. View Morran’s flickr page for more inspiration. If you participate, I’d love to hear about it.

Constanza Bravo

Suana Verelst

Leah Brown

Mikaela Elf

Emmanuelle Eschembrenner

Lori Kiessling

Ulrika Kestere

Geninne Zlatkis

Lilie Melo

Giovanni Perrone

See all The Morran Book Project art here. There are over 230 pieces.

February 23, 2012
Charlotte Dumas: Retrieved 9/11 Rescue Dogs

Moxie by Charlotte Dumas

In the days following the attacks on 9/11 nearly 100 search and rescue dogs were deployed by FEMA to the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Ten years later, Dutch photographer Charlotte Dumas tracked down the surviving fifteen, who who now live in retirement with their original handlers througout the country. She captured these exquisite photographs.

Today, Thursday, September 8, 2011, a selection of Dumas's photographs are on view at Julie Saul Gallery in Chelsea, NY. Dumas also published a book entitled Retrieved which is available at The Ice Plant.

On September 29, 2011, Clic Bookstore & Gallery in Manhattan is hosting an event where one print of each dog from limited editions of seven will be for sale to benefit the First Responders Alliance. For more information visit Clic Bookstore & Gallery.

Also, in August The New York Times did a slide show tribute to these dogs, detailing their accomplishments, their subsequent missions (many were deployed in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina), and their recent activities in retirement. Click here to view it. Have a box of tissues handy. Since being photographed, some of these heroes have passed away and all of them "embody a decade that is coming to a close."

Orion by Charlotte Dumas

Red by Charlotte Dumas

Tara by Charlotte Dumas

Bretagne by Charlotte Dumas

Bailey by Charlotte Dumas

Guinness by Charlotte Dumas

Visit Charlotte Dumas's website.
Order Retrieved.

September 8, 2011
My Dog Tulip

I was going to write a long article about why “My Dog Tulip,” animated by hand by husband and wife team Paul and Sandra Fierlinger, based on the 1956 memoir by J. R. Ackerley, looks so good. Then I was sent this video review by Jim, who says it all. And he actually saw the film, so I’ll let him tell you…

I’ve mentioned before that I am not big on stories about other people and their dogs because they usually involve the dog dying. But this film looks more like a celebration. And I even want to read J. R. Ackerley’s book, which has been re-released with one of the Fierlingers’ drawings on the cover. It is available here.

Right now the film is touring the country. Visit the “My Dog Tulip” website for more information.

Also, John Anderson of the New York Times recently wrote about the film, the filmmakers, and all the dog-lovers involved in the making of “My Dog Tulip” here.

And finally, note the tag line for the film: “Sometimes love really IS a bitch.”

Perfect.

September 9, 2010
Elliott Erwitt: Dachsund Photo and Twitter Contest

No words can express how much I love this newly released photo by Elliott Erwitt, one of the greatest photographers of the 20th and 21st century. The fact that Erwitt has devoted some of his extraordinary talent to photographing dogs, makes him, IMO, the greatest dog photographer ever.

Readers of this blog know I have featured him before and raved about him often. But there has been a limited amount of his images available on the Web. That has changed. This week, German publishing house teNeues announced the launch of a new Elliot Erwitt Website featuring never before seen exclusive Erwitt photographs and a chance to interact with the iconic photographer himself via Twitter. Here’s how it works; visit the website and choose a photo. Click on the photo to take you to Twitter where you write a caption for the image. Then, Elliot Erwitt will choose his favorite and the winner will receive a copy of one of his books.

I am not surprised that Erwitt has embraced social networking. His photographs are exceptional because he looks at life with fresh eyes every time he takes a shot. Experimenting with new technology and paths of promotion is an extension of that openness, that inquisitive nature. And it is yet another aspect of what makes him the best.

P.S. teNeues promises to release more Elliott Erwitt dog photographs as the Website evolves. I will keep you posted.

More posts about Elliot Erwitt:

“First Contact” at Silverstein Photography

Elliott Erwitt’s Needle Felted Dog by Domenica More Gordon

April 30, 2010
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.

February 2, 2010
Kait Matthews: Kool Dog Art

*sponsored feature*

Sir

Twenty-five years ago, Kait Matthews decided to become an actress instead of an artist. Stage productions, TV guest spots, and film roles followed. Then, a move from her hometown of Toronto to the big leagues of Los Angeles paid off with a three-year role on a soap opera. It appeared Kait had made the right choice; she had become a working actress. But by definition "working" means waiting. And eventually, Kait began to fill her hours of down time on the set by filling her sketchbook with her own work. And that work provided her a path back to her other love when her journey as an actress began to wind down (for a female in Hollywood that usually means circling thirty). Now, after graduating summa cum laude from The Laguna College of Art and Design, Kait is an artist and feels like she has come full circle. And along the way, she discovered that picking one dream over another sometimes allows you to live both.

As a painter, Kait initially focused on people, not dogs. She was drawn to the emotion of her subjects, or more specifically their eyes. An actress would know all about that, and it shows that oftentimes late-blooming artists often bring an arsenal of expertise to their work that could never have been learned in a studio.

It was the death of her friends' dog named Skye that brought Kait to pet portraits. The painting she created of her friends' beloved Westie brought them so much joy that she realized being an artist means more than a having a new career. It is a gift, one she could share with other dog lovers, and so her company Kool Dog Art was born. In truth, though, going from people to pets was not much of a stretch, because Kait believes that all animals have souls. One of the artist who inspires her work, 19th century French animal painter Rosa Bonheur, felt the same way, and Kait features this quote from Bonheur on her website:

I was only happy in the company of animals. I really got into studying their ways, especially the expression in their eyes. Isn't the eye the mirror of the soul for each and every living creature? Nature didn't give them any other way to express their thoughts, so that's where their feelings and desires get reflected.

Or as Kait likes to put it more succinctly, "Dog are people too." Indeed.

Where Are You?

Night Hound

Jack

Somewhere Out There

Sophie

To commission a portrait of your pet, visit Kait Matthews's website KoolDogArt.com. A percentage of all sales go to your choice of Kait's favorite animal rescues. Also, Kait has compiled her favorite dog portraits in her book Kait's Cainines. Click here to get your copy. It's a great gift idea for the dog art lover in your life.

October 8, 2009
Blue Dogs Named After Blue Dog

Prints of George Rodrigue’s new silkscreens, Are You Lonesome Tonight?, 2009

Speaking of health care, did you know the Blue Dog Democrats were named after George Rodrigue’s iconic Blue Dog? I didn’t.

Here’s the story:

The term “Blue Dog” is reputably a reference to paintings of Cajun
artist George Rodrigue, which feature a blue dog. So of those paintings
hung in the offices of two Louisiana representatives who were among the
original founders of the coalition. Members explain that “A blue dog is
our mascot because when dogs are not let into the house, they stay
outside in the cold and turn blue,” meaning that moderate and
conservative Democrats felt left out of the Party which they believe
had shifted to the political left. They also claim that they were
“choked by the Democratic party until they turned blue.”

Read full article by Richard Mays via The Sun-Times.

Also, George Rodrigue is now on a book tour for his new children’s book Are You Blue Dog’s Friend?
Click here to see if and when he is coming to your city.

And finally, I just discovered his wife Wendy’s terrific new blog, Musings of an Artist’s Wife. I especially like this post on seeing art as opposed to just looking at it. Stop by and say hi.

September 22, 2009
Pop Vintage Greyhound Valentines

I confess, I am not crazy about hearts or the Victorian aesthetic of Valentine's Day. I think it is all a bit corny. But, I think these hybrid Greyhound/pop/vintage Valentines from photographer and Greyhound advocate Barbara Karant are wonderful. They come in custom packs of six or signed prints. Available through Barbara's Etsy Shop. Frame not included.

Visit Barbara Karant's blog to learn more about this passionate photographer and Greyhound lover. Click here to order her beautiful new book Greyhounds
.

February 4, 2009
George Rodrigue’s New Blue Dog + New Gig

Falling for You, 2008

Renowned Blue Dog painter, George Rodrigue is as busy as ever. He recently released his new limited edition Blue Dog print, Falling for You. He is in the middle of a 3 month cross country tour for his new 512 page book, Blue Dog Speaks. And, he was just named Louisiana's artist laureate.

I think it is the perfect accolade for a man you has spent his career evoking the haunting beauty of the state through his Cajun paintings, and has donated over $2.5 million to post-Katrina relief efforts through the sale of his Blue Dog prints. Congratulations!

Related Links:

George Rodrigue: Beyond Blue Dog
Falling Back in Love with George Rodrigue's Blue Dog
George Rodrigue Retrospective at NOMA

October 13, 2008
Book Giveaway! Chicken Soup for the Soul: Loving Our Dogs

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the wildly popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series. One of their new titles, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Loving Our Dogs by Jack Canfield & Mark Victor Hansen, features 101 of the best stories illustrating how dogs are good for the body an soul. Sections include “I Can’t Believe My Dog Did That,” “Bringing Out the Best in Us,” “Pets Have Pets Too,” and “Canine Matchmakers.” All are true tales of the humorous and life-altering impact our dogs have on our lives.

Simon and Schuster has kindly given me two copies of Loving Our Dogs to give away to my readers.

To enter to win: simply complete this sentence in the comments section below:

“My dog is chicken soup for the soul because…”

I will choose my favorite response for one book giveaway, and the other will be selected randomly (so if you’re not feeling creative you can just leave a comment saying you would like a chance to win.)

Contest ends Saturday, September 27, 2008 at noon PST.

Good luck!

P.S. Visit Chicken Soup for the Soul’s website to learn more about this series that has sold over 112 million copies in more than 40 languages since its inception in 1993.

September 24, 2008