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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get 10% OFF a limited edition print!

Subscribe to my newsletter and receive a 10% discount coupon that can be redeemed on any limited edition print of your choice.

Thank you! To get your discount simply enter the following coupon code at the checkout when making a purchase: CODE: SAVE10

Pin It on Pinterest

Shares
Share This