Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

I got the super doggy opportunity to interview Leslie Moore behind Penpets.com. Her personality and generosity is as inspiring as it is mesmerising.

 

As you might have noticed I am a dog fond of art. If my mummy has influenced me I have developed what you could call a good "eye" to detect work of arts but first and foremost I recognise a genuine generous artist when I see one. Leslie is nice, sweet and so friendly. I am happy to share with you the conversation we had and I am sure that you will wish to meet her one day for a walk in the snow or a deep dive in the sea.

 
1/ What do you enjoy in drawing?

LM: I love drawing because it takes me into the right side of my brain where I’m completely focused, absorbed, and happy. I’m not really thinking when I draw, but rather, translating what I see into marks on paper ― gentle eyes, glossy fur, perked ears, wet noses. It’s non-verbal, intuitive, and free. I forget all my cares when I’m drawing. My husband says the house could burn down around me and I wouldn’t notice. Willa Cather writes in My Antonia that happiness is “to be dissolved into something complete and great.” That’s how I feel when I’m drawing.
2/ What is very special in using pet models?

LM: I’ve always loved animals, especially dogs. I’ve had seven dogs in my lifetime, from the time I was a young child until now. All of them were my best friends, my companions, and my confidants. I know what huge spaces pets fill in people’s lives and what gaping holes they leave when they’re gone. I like being able to capture the essence of a beloved pet and to preserve it forever in a piece of art. I mostly draw dogs, but I’ve also drawn cats, horses, all sorts of farm animals, two ferrets, a rabbit, and a hamster. 

3/ What do you try to capture?

LM: I try to capture not only the physical likeness of my subjects but their hearts and souls as well. When I’m drawing a PenPets portrait, I ask for a selection of photographs and as well as a description of the animal’s personality. I don’t often meet the animals I draw, but I find that by looking closely at their photographs and listening carefully to their people describe them, I’m able to get under their fur and reveal the spirit that animates them.
4/ Why did you start to work in black & white?

LM: I like working in black and white because it’s detailed and dramatic. I’ve recently started working in color. It’s a challenge and I’m having fun with it.

5/ What is your favourite breed?

LM: I grew up with retrievers ― Labradors and goldens ― and I love their good-natured exuberance and enthusiasms. When my husband and I had boats, we wanted smaller dogs, and so we got terriers ― a West Highland and a Scottie. They were little dogs with big personalities and strong opinions. Now we have a little mixed-breed, Kinsey ― half frou-frou, half terrorist. I rescued her from the Bird Bazaar in Istanbul. She’s sweet and tough, tender and fierce, and totally indispensable. She’s my muse. I guess it’s too hard for me to choose a favorite breed. I like them all!
6/ How would you like to draw me?

LM: I’d love to draw your portrait, Peter Pan. You’re such a handsome fellow and you don’t seem to have a camera shy bone in your body. I’ve seen scads of photographs of you that would make fabulous PenPets portraits. Please, please, please!

7/ What could be my best treat?

LM: Your very own PenPets portrait would make you and your mummy so happy.

8/ Where should my mummy take me on holiday?

LM: Come to Maine where you can scramble up mountains, leap into the sea, run wild on beaches, track critters through forests, and frolic in the snow (especially this winter!). It’s dog heaven here.

9/ What should I do to keep fit?

LM: Most Labradors I know like nothing better than to fetch tennis balls, Frisbees, or sticks, preferably in water, all day long, until their mummy’s arm falls off. That will keep you fit.

10/ What blog should I read?

LM: www.PenPets.blogspot.com of course! You’ll meet lots of pets from around the world and get to know them from the inside out.
11/ What should I read about next?

LM: Get some travel brochures about Maine and start planning your dream vacation. Kinsey and I would love to show you and your mummy around.

Interview by Peter Pan.

Peter Pan belongs to a Swide team member and is writing a weekly column about what is happening to him, what he loves, does and so on. Follow his thoughts and adventures every Sunday on Swide.com and daily on twitter.com/peterpandog. 

Source: www.PenPets.blogspot.com

 

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