Alexis Rockman and a dog named Padme photographed by Kimberly M. Wang

All photos Kimberly M. Wang/Eardog Productions

A preview of the work that will appear at Salon 94 in April

Bandana, Handsome Mountain Pet Supply

Dirt and other researched artist material

If we're going to be honest, when we walked into the studio of the artist Alexis Rockman, the primary purpose was to meet his dog.  Instead, what we found were magical drawings on the wall - the results of a 20 years study about indigenous species and his collaboration with scientists along his travels.  The most fascinating part about the drawings is that they are made from organic materials that Alexis found locally in the locale of each particular animal he paints.  His show, Natural History of Life in New York City, opens at Salon 94 in April.  That's all I will reveal about the art now as we are here to learn about Padme, Alexis Rockman's dog.

HOW OLD IS PADME AND WHERE DOES SHE HAIL FROM?

Named after Star Wars princess Padme by a 12 year old Alex Brown, my stepson.  Padme comes from Georgia via labrescue.com.

WHAT IMPACT DOES SHE HAVE ON YOUR DAY?

I do have to walk her to studio, 1 mile at -10F or 96F no matter what.  She is a great presence and I love having her around.

HOW DO YOU ENTERTAIN HER?

She sleeps or gets multiple pats. 

HAS SHE IMPACTED YOUR WORK?

I've painted about her psychology 2 times - one painting is about her favorite things - a ball, a leash, trash and her cat friend Chloe.  The other is about her fears.  Note there are also dog hairs stuck in the work.

Reverie, 2006, oil on wood panel, 56 x 44 in.

Phantasm, 2008, oil on wood, 66 x 50 in.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU?

April at Salon 94 - Natural History of Life in New York City - 75 works on paper using organic material ranging from the fossils from the fossil record -the Cretaceous: Clay Pit Preserve in Staten Island (dinosaurs) to dirt from Central Park for Hal the coyote.

A more in depth look at the work can be found here.