Dogs
I began this body of work whilst living in Tennant Creek NT. I worked there as Manager of Anyinginyi Arts and Cultural Centre for a period of just over a year in 2000/2001. My job entailed a lot of travel into Aboriginal communities and covered a large area from Borroloola in the North to Epenarra to the South of Tennant Creek. With the work I investigated the concept of the dogs role in the Aboriginal community society versus its role in urban society.
Within the urban society dogs have become what humans make them to be – prized possessions, vicious beasts, loving companions, commodities. Whereas in the non materialistic Aboriginal community they are often left to fend for themselves and sometimes suffer neglect and lack of direction thus demonstrating their dependence on human care, domestication and ownership. I have endeavoured to depict the various guises and character of the dogs I have encountered in this time – from the forlorn, the whimsical, and the heroic, to the pampered and the aggressor. Since returning to Canberra last year I have continued the series drawing on my perception of dogs in an urban society. My painting style, however, is still very much influenced by the local Tennant Creek Aboriginal Artists – particularly Peggy Napangardi Jones and Lena Nakamara.
Dog paintings
(2000-01)
oil on canvas board
each 20 x 25cm
group of 9 paintings
Dog paintings
(2000-01)
oil on canvas board
each 20 x 25cm
group of 12 paintings
Dog paintings
(2000-01)
oil on canvas board
20 x 25cm
individual painting
Dog Engravings
Engraving Angel
(2009)
wood engraving
Boof Head
(2009)
wood engraving
Dog
(2009)
wood engraving