the dogs

The dog series arose from my fascination with the relationship my two dogs had with each other. I was very interested in how their play was so physical, and absolute, their moves seemingly choreographed. They would run and chase with pure joy, and them wrestle as though their life depended on it. To an outsider, such interactions could have seemed not just violent, but also dangerous.

I envied their ability to express aggression, anger, and frustration. They were able to manifest those feelings physically, and yet obtain a peaceful resolution. Always challenged with expressing anger, I envied their ability to be so obvious and then to resolve it so quickly.

These paintings attempt to portray the energy and focus of their interactions, and my own desire to be as forthright.