Pet Portrait Collages with Found Photographs

I started these collages at the beginning of the coronavirus quarantine in March. Working with dog and cat photos on my phone I began collaging pet photos with found photographs of people from around the late 1800’s-to early 1900’s. These new collages created fun pet portraits and I became obsessed with each image. Something about a cat or dog in a hat, it just makes you feel better.  Then I started to get requests for commissions which helped me connect with others during the lockdown.  People sent me photos of their pets and then I searched for the best 1890’s dress or suit that worked with their image.

My work always starts with a photograph which is then digitally manipulated, collaged and then transferred to wood or paper using Dass Art medium.  I could just print on photo paper but I enjoy putting my hand back into the project. Printing on film with a reversed image and then using a medium to transfer the image lets me combine  photography with printmaking which gives the final image a little more texture.

The found portraits from the 1800-1900’s are great to use because they let me create a new narrative, which gives new life to an old photograph.  Many times the sitter is unknown as well as the photographer. The portraits have been collected by people because of their expressions or clothing or history.

Thank you to The Collaborative in Warren RI (a small gallery with local artists) for giving me the opportunity to show these images from June 20th-July 26th. You can find the entire collection on line at their shop.  Custom sizes available too.