In the days when the internet was young, i used to hang out on BBSs a bit, talking, exchanging files, etc. i had an icon to represent me that was a warped self-portrait of myself. Another user, a raving republican who i quite enjoyed arguing with clicked on my icon one night and wrote me saying that she “would love to see what i would do with her and her dog in a portrait.” When i actually saw the portrait i had a mischievous thought. You see, it was a black and white photograph of a lady, standing quite straight and rigidly with her dog at her side, perfectly at heel. The picture suggested a stoic woman of practiced poise and consummate control. i immediately thought she needed ‘loosened up a bit.’ So, i did this. She loved it and said she printed it out and hung it in her living room. Peace through art.

1994