Dogs and New Space

Today was quite wonderful. I hosted my first writers’ circle at home, in my studio. (That feels pretty awesome to say) We were a small gathering yet fruitful in our endeavours. We began by reading Mary Oliver’s poem, “Percy (One).” The prompts, which we could take or leave were the following:

1. Write about a time when a pet or an animal has taught you a lesson.
2. Take an ordinary event with an animal and turn it into a fable. (As they so often are such, really.)
3. Write or create in your medium however you feel like doing so.

The creative space is lovely, and the heating worked! I am grateful to my mentor, Abe Louise Young, for all the gifts and structure she has given and continues to give to me. Thank you. I am grateful to my friend, Lisa McClanahan, for not only giving me the encouragement I needed but also dedicating time and energy in getting the space ready. Thank you. I am grateful to my partner, John, for opening up our home as a place for me to create with others. Thank you.

Before we began writing, I passed around a picture book of Animals and asked everyone to help themselves to a picture. (Yep, tore those suckers right out of there.) After I wrote in the first part, I played around with paint in the second part. Here is the piece I produced today:

Woman with Dog 1845

There is a picture of a woman seated with her dog at her feet.  She lives frozen in 1845 – etched into the photograph. The dog, long-haired, possibly a spaniel of some kind, light and dark coloured fur, sleeps. Head resting on his front paws, so at ease.  The woman leans on an object covered with a rug.

It makes me think of the Victorian baby portraits where the mother is covered in a carpet or blanket, and the baby is placed in her camouflaged lap in order to have a shot of the child alone.  They are pictured somewhere between uncomfortable and terrified.

But this pup, this sleeping dog, is not held in place by any ploy other than this is where he is comfortable, this is where he is safe and secure, at the foot of his person.  Who is uncovered, uncloaked, and leaning just as secure knowing that in 1845, having a picture taken is a grand affair, so it is only natural that her canine companion should live in immortality with her.