Stray Dog Arts

It's been pretty quite around here at this ol' blog. Not for lack of things to say, but precisely the opposite! So much goodness has been happening in my art-filled life these past many months. I look forward to getting back onto the saddle of blogging in the near future.

In the meantime, happy day to you!!! I'm hereby taking the feather duster to the Stray Dog Arts blog.

May all dogs (and cats and horses and YOU!) be happy!!

~

I just stumbled upon this interview from April of 2010 in the files of my computer. By golly, I don't even remember who the interview was with, but I loved reading it and can't help but share it again here! Since this interview, there are some things that have evolved, but at the core of my work, at its essence, there is still that same feeling--a sense of satisfaction and purpose that is just beyond language. Distill it down and there is a word for it and it is: LOVE.

1. What inspired/motivated you to want to do this?
You can read more about what inspired me to do this by visiting my artist statement, here.

2. When did you do your first animal painting? When did you sell your first painting?
I painted my first dog in January, 2008. I showed my first series of dog paintings in March of the same year. Half of those portraits sold and I received several new commissions in the process. I sold my first painting in 2003 during my Senior Art Exhibition, a requirement for my art degree. I also gathered steam by selling on Etsy, an online artist's site, did mural painting, and also worked as the in-house artist at Wild Rumpus, a strange and wonderful children's bookstore in Minneapolis.

3. How do you market yourself?
Bark magazine, postcards, partnerships with other businesses, networking, social media (facebook and twitter), Etsy, Flickr, blogging, art fairs, events, and art exhibitions in public spaces. I also sell my work (originals and products) in retail spaces and boutiques. Branding, authenticity and product eye-candy goes an amazingly long way. A lot can be done--even on a tight budget. I love watching things come to life. I put a lot of effort into marketing partially because it's so important, but also because it's something I really enjoy.

4. Where do your 'clients' come from?
When starting out, I had clients from all over the country. California, New York, Florida...all over. Internationally, I've painted for clients in Ireland, Canada, and Australia. However, over the last year, the majority of my clients are from the Minneapolis area. This is largely due to projects that focus on particular neighborhoods in the Minneapolis area. I love getting to meet the dogs and their companions in person as well as take my own photos. Because of this, I've realized how much I enjoy painting locally and, therefore, have shifted my energy and marketing accordingly. Who knows, this will probably continue to evolve. I'm beginning to imagine more travel in my future. For now, I have more than enough to keep me busy right here.

5. What type of animals have you painted?
I mostly paint dog portraits, but really enjoy painting cats as well. I am endlessly inspired by the unique qualities of dogs. As for cats, well, I love their beautiful eyes. To date, dogs and cats are the extent of my painted animal menagerie. I've also been wanting to start painting horses for quite some time now, but have been so busy painting dogs that there just hasn't been time to do so. Everything happens at the right time though. I think the idea of painting horses has been incubating, slowly making itself visible in my mind's eye. Whatever I'm painting, it's a lot of fun to see the work evolve--both inwardly and outwardly.

6. How many painting do you average in a week?
I've come to terms with the fact that the paintings come in waves. There is a lot more to being a full time artist than simply making art--much more than most people realize. At any given time I am managing over 50 commissions, emails, marketing, bookkeeping, phone calls, event planning, project preparation, errand running, packaging and shipping, online shop management...um, you know, pretty much the whole gambit of what makes a business tick successfully. I tend to get really focused and will work really hard on the business end of things for several days or even a couple of weeks and do the same with painting. I work well under pressure and with deadlines and do my best to structure a time-line that works with everything else that's going on. Switching things up like this keeps things fresh for me. When I'm away from the studio for any length of time, it always feels especially good to get back to the paint. I average about 75 paintings a year, many of which are quite large. Not sure how many I paint per week, but I'm pretty sure that this is what they mean by "prolific." :)-

7. How long do most paintings take?
Anywhere from a couple days to a week, or even a month. I tend to work in long stretches with lots of tiny breaks throughout. It's not unusual for me to paint for 12-18 hours a day. I didn't start out being able to work this way, but it's become a habit that I actually enjoy. I get in a groove and want to see it through. I've also come to accept the fact that I can't put a number to how many hours it takes me to do a painting. There are too many variables--the dog's hair, the lighting, the colors, the background details, the size. In art school I was taught to be able to track my time, but I've given up. A painting might take me anywhere from 10-40 hours or more--except when it doesn't. ;)

Working mostly on commission adds another element to the whole notion of time. I need to factor in emails, photo shoots, phone consultations, canvas prep, drawing and all the other things that go into a painting before I even pick up a brush. All said and done, a commissioned painting can be anywhere from several months to a year in the making. It's a pretty cool process, actually. A lot of relationship building happens in that time and by the time I'm done with an animal's portrait, I truly feel like their life has affected mine in a very deep and meaningful way.

8. Are there any paintings you have done that have especially touched your heart?
There are several dogs that have had an extremely profound effect on me, my life, and the direction of my art. But, over all, I have to say that I truly fall in love with every single animal that I've painted. I'm a sucker for dog-love and it catches me off guard every time. Sometimes I wonder how it's possible to love this much. Through painting, I get to know an animal on a very deep level and, because of this, I suffer from love-overwhelm. Sometimes I'm afraid I might melt or explode or disintegrate, but it's an occupational hazard that I'm totally willing to live with.

9. Describe some of the emotions you feel while painting.
Love. The most consistent and powerful emotion that I feel while painting is, by far, love. I often feel the love that the animal has for his or her human companion as well as the love they have for each other. It's pretty amazing actually. As weird as it might sound, I truly feel that, through painting, I become a conduit for the emotions of the animal I'm painting. Sometimes I feel a sense of gentleness. Other times I feel happiness, playfulness, inquisitiveness, sweetness...whatever the animal seems to be feeling, I feel it too. Beneath any of these emotions is always love--and that is something I never, ever get tired of.

10. How, on a bad day, do you stay motivated to continue working to meet your deadlines?
I just don't allow bad days to derail me. I wasn't always like this, but my love for what I do is stronger than the curve balls that bad days might throw at me. I've taught myself to move through whatever might threaten to hold me back--whether it be tiredness, frustration, anxiety, apathy, rain, barking dogs, telemarketers...it doesn't matter. Focusing on those things only makes it worse and if I waited around for perfect conditions, I'd never get anything done. Anyway, I usually find that the work itself tends to fix anything that is throwing me off course. I also find that it helps me to stay inspired and motivated by paying attention to little pleasures such as the smell of a fresh cup of coffee, the muffle-puffin sounds of snoring dogs, or my sun-drenched workbench. If all else fails, a walk in the woods with the dogs or a double espresso will usually put me back in workable groove. That groove is nice place to be and is easier to reach the more I practice it.

11. How has pursuing this dream changed your life?
More like: how hasn't it changed my life? Oy! Pursuing my dream and watching it succeed has made it impossible for me to even consider anything less than fully living my purpose. To be honest, it can be kind of scary--after all, I have a lot to lose now that I've experienced what it feels like to be living and working from the center of my heart. Pursuing my dream has required a hearty combination of determination and inspiration. It has also taught me that everything is possible--for anyone. First we need to imagine it. Then we need to take action. I am constantly nudging myself forward into new territory. It is exhaustive and exhilarating all at once! Eleanor Roosevelt once said: "Do one thing every day that scares you." Those are words I live by. Those are the words that changed my life and pushed me to start living my dream. There's no going back now!

A little bit about the painting: This is "Peanut," a sweet little Chihuahua who's walked a rough road, but once she was adopted, found love of the best kind. Dogs are such complex and beautiful beings. We all are, really. Painting just gives me the deep spaces of observation to notice.

Sat down on the floor to take a photo and my wolfie girl, Anu, came to help. She makes me SO happy. I can't help but smile all over again, just looking at this photo. I'm sharing it here because maybe it will make you smile, too. :)

with wolfie love,
Jessie and Anu

~

my wolfie girl, anu, and i shared a joy-filled moment in the studio together after playing in the snow. my dogs bring unexpected amounts of happiness into my life and today was no exception. welcome to a moment in my love-filled life. love fills all of our lives--the trick is simply in noticing it.

xo

Diary of a Self Portrait :: 365 Days of Self Portraits :: A Challenge

my Flickr set

These paintings were not created in just one day, rather over the course of many days, weeks and months. I've been so busy painting that I haven't had a chance to share the finished work until now! I'm excited to finally be sharing these images.

Read more about Project Love :: A Painting a Day here.

Labels: Addie, Bulldog, dogs, English Bulldog, Minneapolis, Painting, Pet Portrait, Pet Portraiture, Project Love, Stray Dog Arts

Labels: A Painting a Day, Minneapolis, Pampered Pooch Playground, Pet Portraiture, Project Love, Roman, Roxy, St. Louis Park, Stray Dog Arts

I hereby proclaim February to be LOVE MONTH!
Working on Wyatt's portrait was a complete and absolute JOY. The colors and composition inspired me on the deepest downest soul level--from the inside out! It always amazes me how, even when I paint until my fingers are about ready to fall off (as pictured), I can still feel so incredibly joy-filled by what emerges from the canvases. Seriously JOY-FILLED!!!

Labels: A Painting a Day, Jessie Marianiello, Love Month, Oil on Canvas, Painting, Portrait, Stray Dog Arts, Wyatt

Badass prizes include:

• Dinner at The Bulldog Restaurant (NE)
• Doggie delectables from Bone Adventure
• Artwork by Jessie Marianiello (that's me!)...and more!

Tickets Available At:

• ALL Bone Adventure Locations! :: NE Mpls, Edina, & Wayazata :: Now through Dec 22nd!

Tickets are $10 each. Buy one, buy many!

About The Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network (BCARN):

Join us for a night of serious celebration, be among the first to see my most recent series of work AND meet Bulldog participants in the flesh and fur!


Artist Statement:
As an artist, I find extraordinary amounts of pleasure in following the sparks and threads of inner energy. Inspiration shows up when least expected and, this time around it led me towards some serious Bulldog l-u-v.

This project includes the painted portraits of 15 remarkable Bulldogs--from English to French to American to Olde Eglish, and even a couple Bulldog mixes. What fascinates me most is how absolutely unique each one is from the next. Inside and out, every single Bulldog I've met is truly a BADDASS original!

It's been a long time since I've blogged. Too long, actually. Not for lack of things to write about, rather the opposite. Time moves quickly and my days have been filled heartily to the brim. There has been a whirlwind of activity for the past many months...but today I feel the need to push the pause button and make space to remember a very special dog. A dog named "Echo."

I met Echo and her dog-mom, Molly, a fellow dog lover and owner of Metro Pets and More, about two years ago. I was, of course, instantly smitten by both Echo's size and beauty. I could not help but WANT TO PAINT THIS DOG!!

I've lost track of the time-line between 'meeting' and 'doing,' but finally I got my chance. Molly and I scheduled a meet-up in Edina and, as dusk settled in and the lights of the Edina theater sign turned on, the photo shoot began. If I remember right, it was early spring. The part I know for sure is that I fell in love. Echo was a big dog who, very quickly, took up an equally big part of my heart.

I painted Echo's portrait simply for the sheer inspiration of it and, due to a tightly booked commissions schedule, her portrait took over a year to complete. I worked on it whenever possible. The first brush strokes were made in the original Stray Dog Arts studio (the basement of a rented house) near downtown Minneapolis....


...and completed in my current studio located on a vineyard in Southern Minnesota. Echo's portrait spent a very long time in my studios. She kept me and my own dogs company and, well, she just sort of started to feel like a part of the family. The longer I worked on Echo's portrait, the more I fell in love with her. She became someone very special to me.

Thursday, May 6th is the big day {Opening Night!} and you are cordially invited to be the first to see! We'll be opening the doors to Dogs of Edina exhibition at 5pm. Live music, food, wine, friends, and whole lot of new artwork! This project has been such an incredible experience. And now...

It's time to celebrate!

Paws4Pets and help the animals at Red Lake Rosie's Rescue! Enjoy an evening with Talk2theAnimals for animal communication, view the art work of Stray Dog Arts, and meet Angel Animal authors Linda and Allen Anderson. There's a raffle, including exciting prizes from: The Galleria, Stray Dog Arts, Chuck and Don's, The Westin Galleria, and more! Bring a donation for Red Lake Rosie's Rescue and take away an evening of doggone fun!




Red Lake Rosie's Rescue is very a very special place to me and has affected my life and work in a deep way. Read more about my personal experiences with RLRR here and here and here. My sincere thank you to everyone who is working to coordinate this event!


Red Lake Rosie's Rescue Synopsis:

Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue (RLRR) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization formed on February 6, 2006. The rescue/shelter is located on the Red Lake Indian reservation in northwestern Minnesota.

The shelter is run, singlehandedly, by Karen Good who lives and teaches at-risk high school kids on the reservation. She began the rescue with a mission to decrease the overpopulation of companion animals and the resulting homelessness, disease, malnutrition, and abuse, which has remained unchecked for generations on the reservation.

The Red Lake Reservation, which is approximately the size of Rhode Island, has had no other programs in the history of the nation that address the needs or protect the rights of companion animals.

The reservation has a human population of about 10,000. About 40% live at or below the poverty line. The unemployment rate is 36%, and the median age is 20.1 years. Crime and violence, often drug-related, are significant problems. Murder and suicide rates are high.

Considering these factors, it is no surprise that the most vulnerable population, domestic dogs and cats, would suffer the greatest. There are no veterinarians on the reservation, so there is a lack of medical care and neuter/spay. Even those animals who are not homeless often live outdoors without shelter and are expected to forage for their food. Many have malnutrition, dehydration, and are infected with mange and other parasites. It is a common and acceptable practice for residents to drop off litters of puppies and kittens, as well as adult animals at the garbage dumpsters where they are left to die of starvation, or disease, or be killed.

Karen has built outdoor kennels on her reservation property to house the animals. She also uses an older building to house small puppies and cats, and all of her supplies - food, medicine, bowls, towels, etc.

Karen's goals are three-fold; to rescue and find homes for the animals in need, to facilitate spay/neuter and medical care, and to provide humane education to the residents of Red Lake reservation.

In 2009, Karen rescued 859 animals. She provided food, housing, medical care, and spay/neuter.

Once or twice a month, with the help of a metro support group, the animals are transported from the shelter to Twin Cities’ area rescue groups.

Invite your friends to an exclusive Girls' Night Out! A fun and decadent evening of art, shopping, style tips, music, pampering, wine and delicious treats to benefit Top Dog Foundation...the Sanctuary. Join us at the Galleria and, in the name of dog-love, spoil yourself rotten!

StyledLife, Origins, Ataz, & Top Dog Country Club

with wine and hors d' oeuvres from
The Good Earth

The Westin Hotel ~ Hotel Stay & Doggy Package

Top Dog Country Club ~ Vacation & Spa Package

This event is sponsored and hosted by:
Top Dog Country Club and DNA2Diamonds!

{An Introduction: Top Dog Country Club..."The Un-Kennel"}

"The World-renowned Top Dog Country Club has been featured on Discover Channel's Animal Planet, the NBC Today Show, in The New York Times, The World Herald Paris, was named the 2009 National Best Pet Resort and set a completely new standard for boarding dogs everywhere."


{An Introduction: DNA2Diamonds}

"A DNA2Diamond is a new and beautiful way to celebrate your connection during your pet’s loyal and selfless life. Maybe they’ve saved a life or are an animal hero having performed a heroic act … maybe they’ve won a champion’s rosette … maybe they’re worth honoring simply for their loving place in your life. Or, as a distinctive memento, a DNA2Diamond can help ease your grief by keeping your pet close to your heart even when your time together has passed."

The Dogs of Edina exhibition has been sponsored by some very incredible businesses and DNA2Diamonds is most definitely one of the most interesting! Before being introduced to the pet-industry, I never knew that diamonds like these existed. They are beautiful--not to mention, both personal and meaningful as well. And so, it is with great honor that I introduce to you: DNA2Diamonds!

Hope you enjoy the interview! Their product and process is a little bit fascinating, to say the least! And, also, so very, very "EDINA." ;)

{A bit about DNA2Diamonds}

DNA2Diamonds™ is a leading global provider of laboratory-created diamonds created from the signature carbon of people and pets -- which makes them the most personal diamonds in the world.

Headquartered in Pennsylvania, we are a unique full-cycle manufacturer and distributor of custom diamonds made to commemorate cherished lifetime events.

Our laboratory is one of the most innovative in the world. We have refined diamond-creation technology, resulting in a process that’s fast, easy and secure. Nature takes millennia to create a diamond; we take just a few days to create a DNA2Diamond that is physically, chemically and optically identical to earth-mined diamonds – and also environmentally-friendly and conflict-free.

{The Interview}

1. What sets DNA2Diamonds apart from other diamonds?

Unlike earth-mined gems and other lab-grown diamonds, however, DNA2Diamonds are truly personal. They begin with the signature carbon from hair or the cremated remains of loved ones (including treasured animal companions). This signature carbon is added to a diamond seed in our laboratory and exposed to the same process of extreme heat and pressure that happens deep below the earth’s crust.

In nature, it takes millennia to create a diamond; in our laboratory, it takes just a few weeks to create a DNA2Diamond that is GIA-certified to be physically, chemically and optically identical to earth-mined diamonds.

While gemologically equivalent to earth-mined diamonds, DNA2Diamonds are more beautiful, more meaningful and more precious – because they contain forever the essence of those you love. They are truly the most personal diamonds in the world.

2. Tell us a little bit about one of the most memorable diamond commissions that you’ve received in memory of an animal companion?

A customer recently sent DNA2Diamonds a beautiful letter about her dog, Tiger's life and death and how she is choosing to remember him. The entire letter can be read on the DNA2Diamonds blog, but here is an excerpt:

"...after hearing about DNA2Diamonds, I want Tiger to become something more than just a paw-printed metal container on a shelf in my house. I want to see the twinkle of his brown eyes again in a diamond that is part of him. I want him to go on walks with me again and be praised on his beauty, only this time as a pendant on a chain, instead of a dog, on a leash. Thank you for putting the sparkle back into Tiger's memory for me."

3. Does anyone ever request diamonds in honor of special animals for reasons other than “in memory”?

Many of our customers tell us they have once-in-a-lifetime relationships with their pets. Whether it’s the animal’s unique spirit and personality, the period of time spent together or the life experiences shared, a deep connection is formed – and both human and animal feel it. Pet owners choose to not only create diamonds "in memory" of their pets that have passed, but also while the animal is still living. We have had people contact us about their animal hero who saved a life and also owners of horse champions. We've let them know that not only can we create a diamond for them from their pets hair, but also that they can combine their own hair with their pets hair to be together forever in a DNA2Diamond.

Read about two recent pet memorial tributes, Tiger and Ariel.

4. What is the highlight of your work with DNA2Diamonds? In other words, what do you love most about what you do?

Helping someone through a difficult time and making their life just a little brighter is absolutely the best gift you could give someone. It's also a gift you give yourself knowing that you've made a positive impact on the lives of others. Although it's often painful for our customers to tell their story about their loved one or their pet that has passed, in doing so, and in creating a beautiful diamond memorial, a DNA2Diamond offers a special kind of comfort that allows people to heal and move forward with their lives. It gives them the peace that they are never really leaving their loved ones behind because their essence is forever captured in their personal diamond. Making that happen is an unmatched joy.

5. Do DNA2Diamonds come in different sizes and shapes?

Because a DNA2Diamond is the most precious and rare diamond one could ever own, personalizing it further by selecting the color, cut and size that reflects an individuals personal style just makes sense! DNA2Diamonds can be created in various cuts such as brilliant, radiant, princess and our new heart-shaped cut. They are available in colors of stunning red, brilliant yellow-green, warm cognac and dazzling blue. These personal diamonds are available in sizes ranging from 0.25 carats to 2.0 carats and can be set into a ring, bracelet, and earrings or worn as a pendant. Our Diamond Selector is helps our customers do just that with just a few clicks of the mouse.

6. What else would you like us to know about DNA2Diamonds?

Ordering a DNA2Diamond is quick and easy. Simply download from our website a DNA Signature Collection Kit complete with step-by-step instructions, or call us at 888-335-3630. In 70 days or less, from the time we receive your order and personal carbon source, your DNA2Diamond personal gem will be delivered to your doorstep.

www.DNA2Diamonds.com

ArtBARK! is an art contest, raffle, and event that celebrates the connections created between our dogs, our families, and our communities. ArtBARK! is presented by Bone Adventure and Stray Dog Arts as a fundraiser for The Pet Project.


THE ART:

Artwork must be submitted on the back of the ArtBARK! postcard and can be in any medium. If you need a postcard, they can be picked up at all three Bone Adventure locations.



Winning submissions from each category will be framed and hung in the Dogs of Edina exhibition gallery during the ArtBARK! event.

Top winners in each category will receive:
A $25 gift certificate to Bone Adventure as well as a pack of 10 greeting cards custom designed by Stray Dog Arts--featuring the winner's artwork!

Runners-up in each category will receive:
A $10 gift certificate to Bone Adventure as well as art supplies from Stray Dog Arts.

All artwork submitted will be displayed at the ArtBARK! event so that artists can bring family and friends to see all the great dog art! WOOF! How awesome is that?!

THE RAFFLE:
Raffle tickets are available at all three Bone Adventure locations as well as at the ArtBARK! event. Buy a ticket for your chance to win a custom portrait by Jessie Marianiello of Stray Dog Arts (an $1800 value) and an extra special custom dog bed from Bone Adventure. Tickets are $10 each and all proceeds go to The Pet Project, a local organization that is working to keep pets and their families together during tough times by providing pet food and basic veterinary services for local pets. More information about the great work that The Pet Project is doing for pets in our communities is available at www.thepetprojectmn.org


THE EVENT:
ArtBARK! will take place May 9th, Mother's Day, from 12-5pm in the Dogs of Edina gallery. The Dogs of Edina gallery exhibition is located on the west end of Galleria, between Big Bowl and Louis Vuitton. Stop by to buy a last minute raffle ticket, bring pet food to donate to The Pet Project, and support the local artists who are inspired by the dogs in our communities!


For more information about ArtBARK! contact Gabie at Bone Adventure, 612.920.2201 or gabie@boneadventure.com or stop by any of our three locations:

Join new friends and old for an incredible evening of live music, art, wine, delectables, exclusive deals and over a $1,000 in prizes! Mingle, mix and muse over the finest things in life: dogs!

Stray Dog Arts and the Galleria has partnered up with seven of the Twin Cities TOP pet businesses to present Mon Ami, a celebration of our community of dog lovers! Together with Sidewalk Dog, Pampered Pooch Playground, Sarah Beth Photography, Bone Adventure, Fetch Delivers, Stunt Puppy and K9 Connection, we'll be holding the festivities in the midst of the Dogs of Edina exhibition at the Galleria in Edina.

This free event will feature an up-close look at some of Marianiello's most recent artwork, live music, wine and creatively delicious treats from the famous Muddy Paws Cheesecake! There will be roll-over-and-beg-incredible prize drawings, special Sidewalk Dog deals and steals for attendees, and a chance to mix and mingle with the owners of your favorite local pet businesses. No special invite needed--the party is open to every one who loves dogs!


Sponsored by: Sidewalk Dog, Pampered Pooch Playground, Sarah Beth Photography, Bone Adventure, Fetch Delivers, Stunt Puppy and K9 Connection.