Giving Grace
Some of my fondest memories growing up took place around the dining room table–a circular mid-century modern tulip which became the embodiment of our family's connection. It was the site of countless rounds of Monopoly and where the clicking of Mah Jhong tiles could be heard well into the midnight hours. And, of course, it's where we ate; Chinese banquets included homemade scallion pancakes and hand split mu shu wraps served to each family member by the Lazy Susan centerpiece. Occasionally, I would glance down at our dog who was forlorn with longing for the savory forbidden cuisine.
As a child, I never understood why a family member was relegated to eat alone on the kitchen floor. In fact, even as an adult, I often question this cultural norm that separates family members during one of the most intimate acts of connection; the sharing of food.
This group of portraits is born of a fantasy I have of inviting dogs to the dinner table. It's an opportunity to share a vision of the integral place these beloved pets occupy in the family dynamic. And it's an invitation to my audience to ponder the boundaries we establish with our four-legged companions; undoubtedly among the deepest and most unique relationships we create.
Clarise
AKA: Muppet
Factoids: Yorkie long-haired Chihuahua. Lives with 9 dogs and 5 parrots.
Idiosyncrasies: Sits in Maru's food bowl when he's done eating.
Favorite Snack: Edamame
Maru
AKA: Rooney
Factoids: Bouvier Des Flanders. Maru means full circle.
AKA: Rooney
Idiosyncrasies: Pulls the paper out of the parrots cage so the food drops to the bottom and he can eat it.
Favorite snack: Edamame
Tobin
AKA: Tobs, Magobs
Factoids: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon from Maine. Has human eyes.
Idiosyncrasies: Swims every chance he gets, and uses the ladder getting in and out of the pool. Comes running if he hears an apple being cut.
Favorite snack: Frozen broccoli. Loves all food save almonds and dates.
Simon
AKA: Scruffy, Gibbs
Factoids: A rescue from Texas. DNA reveals mostly Schnauzer, with Chihuahua and Chow Chow. (Previously named Bolt and with good reason. He wears a GPS collar.) Came with a heart condition and given a year to live. His new owners granted him an angioplasty, and now he's ? years old. Lives with another rescue named Mingus.
Idiosyncrasies: Howls when the phone rings.
Favorite Snack: Bacon and cheese.