I am Alice

Ten years ago, my partner Jo persuasively argued that our lives were missing something fundamental—a four-legged, tail-wagging friend. I, on the other hand, was sceptical. I wasn’t quite ready for the responsibilities of a pet. After some good-natured debate, we reached a compromise: a dog it was. A few weeks later, Alice the Labradoodle graced our lives, a furry bundle of joy arriving via aeroplane from Christchurch. She was a little furball, her soft coat inviting endless cuddles.
Alice’s lineage proclaimed Labradoodle, but her heart was unmistakably Lab; this translated into an insatiable appetite for almost anything that crossed her path. Tennis balls were not mere playthings; their vibrant green exteriors were no match for her determination. With focused intent, she’d chew on one spot until the rich “fur” yielded, signalling a victorious end to the game. Coloured bouncy balls suffered a similar fate, emerging as peculiar tokens in her poop the next day. Our household floors remained perpetually licked, a preemptive measure against potential crumbs—no need for a robot vacuum here.
Alice hasn’t always been the angel. As a puppy, she devoured part of a prop for my “Follow Me” painting—The Hand of Godzilla. The beast stood no chance against her formidable appetite and puppy teeth.
Alice’s favourite toy is Kong, a rubber toy that holds treats. When the coffee machine starts, Alice and Kong arrive in the queue, with Alice expecting a treat. An unspoken agreement ensures up to three treats for her and three cups of coffee (single shots) for me; any more, and I slip into caffeine-induced hyperdrive, and I find it challenging to paint straight lines.
I never set out to paint animals, but Alice was an exception. Occasionally, she’d present herself in ways too inspiring and amusing to ignore. Such opportunities were a creative call to arms, and I couldn’t resist the challenge.
Amid the daily chaos Alice introduced, I found a muse. She was a constant reminder that life’s unpredictability made it beautiful. Over time, her exuberant antics took a more measured turn, and while she retained her boundless energy, the household chaos lessened.
Among my collection of photographs, one holds a special place: Alice, eyes fixed on me as I paint. Her unwavering gaze was simultaneously a muse and a friend, silently egging me on to capture her essence on Linen.

Six of my paintings stand as a testament to Alice’s impact on my art and life journey:

• “Fetch” (2013)
• “Dream Job” (2016)
• “Obsession” (2017)
• “Chilling Out” (2020)
• “What Now?” (2022)
• “Temptation” (2023)
• “Daydreaming” (2024)

Alice had transformed from a mere addition to our lives to an irreplaceable family member—a source of laughter, inspiration, and boundless love. One thing remains certain as we navigate life’s twists and turns: Alice is the irreplaceable puzzle piece that completes our home.

54 Obsession

Oil on fine portrait linen: 95 x 125 cm; 37.4 x 49.21 in (Sold)

83 Daydreaming

Oil on fine portrait linen: 95 x 180 cm; 37.4 x 70.86 in (Sold)