biscuit's space | The blog of photographer Katherine Carver

Mar 12

Biscuit’s Excursion to the Naval Academy and Downtown Annapolis!

The weather here this past weekend was gorgeous! Doug and I decided to take Biscuit on an outing since the weather was so nice outside. Biscuit had a great time and his spirits were immediately lifted. We think that Biscuit is a bit tired of the colder temperatures preventing him from going on outdoor adventures! In any event, Biscuit had a wonderful time. Below are a few photographs of Biscuit at the Naval Academy and Biscuit sauntering around downtown Annapolis — Biscuit even sat on the State Capitol building! Enjoy!

Happy Tuesday!

Mar 11

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Interview with Dana Atnip, Illustrator

Interview with Dana Atnip, Illustrator

Recently, I had the opportunity and pleasure of interviewing Dana Atnip , an illustrator living in Michigan. Dana Atnip illustrates dogs and other animals. Some of her work is displayed below and you can visit her website and blog to view more of Dana’s work. Dana also is heavily involved with dog rescue as she also works at the Michigan Humane Society.

KATHERINE CARVER: What were your beginnings as an artist and when did you realize it would become your chosen form of expression?

DANA ATNIP: For me, it’s always been art. I started drawing in nursery school and never stopped!

KATHERINE CARVER: Did you study art formally?

DANA ATNIP: A little bit is genes (I come from a family of artists) and a lot of it was self-taught; drawing and practicing every day! I did attend Macomb Community College for my two degrees in art. Although it’s a community college that have an amazing art program with very talented professors.

KATHERINE CARVER: How do you describe your style?

DANA ATNIP: While I hesitate to say it’s a “Disney” style, Disney was one of my largest influences. I spent a lot of time growing up drawing my favorite Disney characters as well as comic strip characters such as Garfield, Peanuts, Calvin & Hobbes, and Bloom County.

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the impetus that inspired you to begin illustrating dogs and other animals?

DANA ATNIP: I always leaned towards animals in my drawings. For me, drawing the human figure was always a tough challenge. To this day I still feel I struggle when drawing humans, but I still attempt it.

KATHERINE CARVER: How have your own dogs influenced your artwork?

DANA ATNIP: Oddly enough I didn’t spend a lot of time drawing my own pets, although my first cat, Boo-Boo, did make it into a comic strip that I had created in the 90’s. However my female Rottweiler, Thorn, I just used as a model in a greeting card I illustrated.

KATHERINE CARVER: What does “being creative” mean to you?

DANA ATNIP: I think that everyone is creative in their own right. I have heard people say that they are “terrible artists” and then see them create amazing work. Everyone is an artist by birthright; it’s in our genes. Even our earliest ancestors painted on cave walls!

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most challenging aspect of being an artist?

DANA ATNIP: Having the time, lol. I work full-time (not as an artist) so drawing is a luxury for me right now. Some days I just don’t have the energy.

KATHERINE CARVER: What inspires you to keep going and what keeps you motivated?

DANA ATNIP: The love of creating keeps me motivated. I feel so alive when I’m drawing or painting. I couldn’t give up if I wanted to!

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most rewarding and satisfying part about being an artist and creating art?

DANA ATNIP: Anytime that I can make someone smile or laugh I feel is the best accomplishment. If my work can brighten someone’s day or make them feel good, then I feel that my work is done.

KATHERINE CARVER: Looking back on your accomplishments, to date, what are you the most proud of?

DANA ATNIP:

Anytime that I can make someone smile or laugh I feel is the best accomplishment. If my work can brighten someone’s day or make them feel good, then I feel that my work is done.

KATHERINE CARVER: What are you working on now?

DANA ATNIP: There are several projects that I’m working on now. I have a few children’s picture book manuscripts that I’ve written that I would like to submit to agents once I have some finished artwork to send along. I also have several greeting cards that I would like to submit for consideration.

KATHERINE CARVER: What artists inspire your work?

DANA ATNIP: There have been so many over the years! I mentioned Disney earlier. Carl Barks was a cartoonist who worked for Disney and wrote and drew the Donald Duck/Uncle Scrooge comics for 25 years was one of the most talented cartoonists to date. Jim Davis, Berkeley Breathed, Bill Watterson, Gary Larson, Charles Schultz, Tim Burton, Sandra Boynton, Chuck Jones, Don Bluth…my favorite artists are all cartoonists.

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

DANA ATNIP: Draw everyday. Nothing will make you improve faster than the physical act of actual drawing or painting – even if it’s just sketching. And if you want to draw digitally, you still first need to know how to draw on paper with a pencil.

KATHERINE CARVER: How can people view your art works?

DANA ATNIP: My latest work can be found on my website at www.danaatnip.com.

KATHERINE CARVER: In addition to making art, how did your adventure in animal rescue begin?

DANA ATNIP: I have always loved animals. Even as a child I could relate to animals better than people, lol. Animal welfare has been improving all over the world in the last few decades thankfully. I am happy to help animals in any way that I can. I started volunteering for the Michigan Humane Society right out of high school, and that later turned into a – job.

KATHERINE CARVER: If you could give pet owners’ one piece of advice, what would it be?

DANA ATNIP: Spay and neuter your pets, and look to rescues and shelters to adopt (sorry, that’s two!) There are so many amazing homeless animals that are waiting in shelters right now for you to come and adopt them. As an adult I have adopted all of my pets from the Michigan Humane Society: 2 dogs, two cats, a fish, a canary, and countless rats (rats need better PR, they are AMAZING critters!) I have also fostered probably a hundred or more animals over the years. I have many friends and family that have adopted my foster animals, or I have paired them up with others.

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice can you give to someone who might be considering getting involved with an animal shelter?

DANA ATNIP: I can’t think of any shelter that doesn’t need help somehow. Volunteers are a vital part of any shelter. Some people walk dogs, some brush cats, others may clean cages, do laundry and dishes; others help with adoptions or fundraising. And any shelter always needs foster homes to help care for sick or injured animals. Wherever you live, there is probably a shelter nearby. Check the internet for a shelter near you!

Please visit Dana Atnip’s website and blog.

All images are courtesy of Dana Atnip.

You can read additional interviews here.

Mar 7

Life Mission Statement

I have been working on creating my own “Life Mission Statement.” I have never formally drafted an individual mission statement before, and I am not yet done drafting my mission statement; however, I have found these prompts, questions helpful, if you are interested in creating your own life mission statement. Most businesses have mission statements, so why not have individual life mission statements?

A personal mission statement is a written culmination of values, roles, objectives, self-reflection, and self-evaluation. It has the flexibility to change as you change and the ability to keep you focused. I believe that we all are blessed with unique gifts. Importantly, the expression of our gifts contributes to a cause greater than ourselves.

Here are some prompts/questions to help you get started with crafting your own personal life mission statement.

1. What makes you smile? (Activities, people, events, hobbies, projects, etc.)

2. What are your favorite things to do in the past? What about now?

3. What activities make you lose track of time?

4. What makes you feel great about yourself?

5. Who inspires you most? (Family, friends, authors, artists, leaders, etc.) Which qualities inspire you, in each person?

6. What are you naturally good at? (Skills, abilities, gifts etc.)

7. What do people typically ask you for help in?

8. If you had to teach something, what would you teach?

9. What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life?

10. You are now 90 years old, sitting on a rocking chair outside your porch; you can feel the spring breeze gently brushing against your face. You are happy, and are pleased with the wonderful life you have been blessed with. Looking back at your life and all that you have achieved and acquired, all the relationships you have developed; what matters to you most? List them out.

11. What are your deepest values?

12. What were some challenges, difficulties and hardships you have overcome or are in the process of overcoming? How did you do it?

13. What causes do you strongly believe in? Connect with?

14. If you could get a message across to a large group of people. Who would those people be? What would your message be?

15. Given your talents, passions and values. How could you use these resources to serve, to help, to contribute? ( to people, beings, causes, organization, environment, planet, etc.)

Mar 6

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Interview with Bryce Dishongh, Artist

Interview with Bryce Dishongh, Artist and Owner of Coat and Tails — Custom Pet Portraits

Recently, I had the opportunity and pleasure of interviewing Bryce Dishongh, artist and owner of Coat and Tails, a pet portrait business, which he runs from his studio in Austin, Texas. Bryce creates very neat turn-of-the-centry portraits of dogs in a vintage style. Some examples of Bryce Dishongh’s work is shown below and Bryce also takes commissions.

We are going to Commission a portrait of Biscuit — Biscuit has to first decide what he wants to wear for his special portrait!

KATHERINE CARVER: What were your beginnings as an artist and when did you realize it would become your chosen form of expression?

BRYCE DISHONGH: From an early age I knew that girls were into artists, so I immediately wanted to be one. It just worked out that I was better at drawing than Math or English.

Though drawing was always a necessary mode of self-expression, I didn’t start taking it seriously until I was 27. I’m 30 now. I spent a lot of time exploring safer and more profitable routes of professional development so I could buy things like organic dog food.

KATHERINE CARVER: Did you study art formally?

BRYCE DISHONGH: No, but I did take a drawing class in college. I have a master’s degree in the vastly exciting field of Technical Communication.

KATHERINE CARVER: How do you describe your style?

BRYCE DISHONGH: Coat and Tails is fairly style-driven. Almost all of the portraits I’ve drawn recently are a mix of 1800s portrait photography (like tintypes) and storybook illustration. I base the portraits and designs on Victorian or Edwardian conventions because they’re usually high-brow, formal, and proper; by contrast, dogs, especially those wearing clothes, are anything but. I aim for high-brow form but low-brow content.

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the impetus that inspired you to begin drawing and illustrating dogs and other animals?

BRYCE DISHONGH: I guess first and foremost, I’m better at drawing animals. But also, I love animals, dogs and cats in particular. They’re hilariously serious.

KATHERINE CARVER: What does “being creative” mean to you?

BRYCE DISHONGH: I once thought it meant actually sitting down and making stuff, but that part is just the vehicle. Being creative happens in the seconds or moments when I’m away from the paper—like when someone is talking to me and I’m not listening, or when I’m running with my dog Bess—and I have a vision and my ideas breed. The rest is just working away to achieve that vision.

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most challenging aspect of being an artist?

BRYCE DISHONGH: Sticking with one style, especially when a client wants something else.

KATHERINE CARVER: What inspires you to keep going and what keeps you motivated?

BRYCE DISHONGH: I don’t really struggle with motivation. I’m pretty restless. There are a lot of things I want to do.

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most rewarding and satisfying part about being an artist and creating art?

BRYCE DISHONGH: Since I do a lot of custom pet portraits, I like the client’s reaction. My clients are usually really, really into their dogs, so it’s a pretty exciting sort of unveiling for them to see their pet illustrated. It’s satisfying to create that for them.

KATHERINE CARVER: Looking back on your accomplishments, to date, what are you the most proud of?

BRYCE DISHONGH: I’m really proud of Coat and Tails. It’s the culmination of everything I’ve learned about making stuff since I started three or four years ago.

KATHERINE CARVER: What are you working on now?

BRYCE DISHONGH: Coat and Tails is my primary focus. At the moment I’m really excited about a line of prints and tee shirts that are faux-Victorian advertisements for products that dogs would like. So far I’ve done Squirrel Sausage and Raccoon Steak. Currently working on Toilet Water.

KATHERINE CARVER: What artists inspire your work?

BRYCE DISHONGH: I have a huge crush on Maxfield Parrish and the Golden Age illustrators. I am also really into turn-of-the-century children’s book illustrators like Walter Crane, John Neill, and Charles Robinson.

Probably the most inspiring for me nowadays is mcbess, who is a total game-changer in the illustration world. He’s so infectious, so alive and wiggly; it’s tempting to replicate his style, which is something I have been guilty of. He’s also a brilliant marketer, and I’ve also learned a lot about that from him as well.

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

BRYCE DISHONGH: Don’t exhibit work, on the internet or otherwise, until you have narrowed down the framework in which you want to work and will consistently work.

Find a memorable name and create a brand out of it. Try not to work for free unless you’re 100% sure it will help you.

Watch other artists and learn from them.

KATHERINE CARVER: How can people view your art work?

BRYCE DISHONGH: You can view my work on my website, www.coatandtails.com and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coat-and-Tails-Pet-Portraits/128628673951387.

All images are courtesy of Bryce Dishongh.

You can read additional interviews here.

Mar 1

A Happy Hello from Biscuit!

Below is a photograph of little Biscuit sniffing around just as it began snowing. If you look closely, you can see some of the small snowflakes on Biscuit’s fur coat!

Biscuit is doing well. He recently began taking his thyroid medicine as he has been diagnosed with an under active thyroid. In addition to his thyroid medicine, Biscuit currently takes the following medicine/supplements daily –medicine for his kidneys; medicine for his ear; Glycoflex, a joint supplement for his arthritis; Wellactin, a nutritional supplement; and Royal Canin prescription food. Biscuit loves his Greenies Pill Pockets that we use to give him his medicine/supplements! At times, Biscuit has taken to even picking out the pills and supplements out of his Greenies, in order to get more Greenies! We take Biscuit back to the vet in a month for blood work and urinalysis to check all of his levels. Doug and I strive to be diligent and stay on top of all of Biscuit’s medical needs to ensure he gets the best medical care.

Biscuit seems to have more energy than usual, and he is even running/galloping at times! — perhaps it is due to the new thyroid medicine he is taking!

Happy Friday!

Feb 25

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A Blog Giveaway!

I want to thank my blog readers for reading and following my blog with a Monday – Blog Giveaway! THANK YOU!

For those who have been following my blog, you know that I am an avid dog rescue person. Biscuit served as the dog who represented the Orvis Petfinder Commitment, helping to promote dog rescue as a rescue dog himself! Biscuit has enriched our lives in so many positive ways that I cannot possibly sum up in one blog post — Biscuit has stolen our hearts and he has left a permanent paw print on our hearts forever. For those who have been reading and following my blog, you know that we schedule most everything around little Biscuit down to our vacations! Biscuit goes with us everywhere, and we especially like it when we can take him to more places when the weather improves — we are really looking forward to this spring! Biscuit has already been to Nova Scotia with us two times, and we have planned a trip for Biscuit to Vermont this May!

The purpose of this blog post is to thank my readers and to hear from you about your experiences with dog/animal rescue. (1) How has your rescue dog/animal enriched your life? (2) Why do you choose to rescue your dog(s)/animals?

Details and Rules:

*Leave a comment in response to the above questions.

*Please leave a valid e-mail address, as this is my only point of contact.

*One entry per person.

*Deadline to submit a comment is this Friday, March 1, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. EST … and the winner will be announced early next week!

(Not to worry, there will be more blog giveaways, so stay tuned!)

I am EXCITED to hear YOUR thoughts on this important issue!

Happy Monday!

Feb 22

Biscuit’s Reign as the Orvis Petfinder Commitment Dog Comes to a Sweet End

We recently received this wonderful package, pictured below, from Orvis as a thank you to Biscuit for serving and representing the 2012 Orvis Petfinder Commitment, promoting dog rescue. Biscuit was the first dog to represent this important Orvis-Petfinder Commitment. Fortunately, Biscuit, through his image, has helped promote dog rescue and, as a result, Orvis is renewing its relationship with the Petfinder Foundation with another Orvis Customer Matching Grant! (Please read further information below).

Biscuit, along with us, has certainly enjoyed being part of this journey and he is looking forward to his visit to Vermont at the Orvis Flagship store this May!

Thank you Orvis for the thoughtful gifts that you sent to Biscuit! Most of all, thank you Orvis for selecting Biscuit to be a part of this important cause.

Dear Ms. Carver,

On behalf of Orvis and Petfinder Foundation, I’d like to thank you and Biscuit for being such an important visual element of our promotional campaign in 2012. I’m happy to report that the campaign was very popular with our customers and easily surpassed our fundraising goals, all to benefit Petfinder Foundation. As a result, Orvis will be renewing its relationship with Petfinder Foundation with another Orvis Customer Matching Grant in 2013. To launch our new matching funds campaign for 2013, we have decided to update our presentation, using another photo of rescue dogs submitted to us through our catalog cover contest, just as you did last year. This time, we are blessed with the story of two dogs – Becca and Tolle – whose friendship began thanks to Petfinder! I’m sure you’ll agree it’s a wonderful story, just as Biscuit’s story is, and an appropriate fresh start for our 2013 campaign. (http://www.orvis.com/intro.aspx?subject=9847 ).

We thank you for being part of the family with us in 2012 and for your devoted support of Orvis and the Petfinder Foundation.

Kindest Regards,

Bill Eyer, Orvis

Dear Everyone at Orvis:

On behalf of Biscuit, we would like to say thank you for the gifts that you sent to Biscuit that we received the other night. It was very thoughtful and generous of you to think of Biscuit. He will enjoy his new toys! Thank you. (Some photographs are shown below).

We are honored that Biscuit was selected to be a part of the Orvis Petfinder.com Commitment supporting and promoting dog rescue. We are happy that we were able to share Biscuit with the world as part of this important Commitment. It is our hope that Biscuit’s story helped inspire others to consider dog rescue. We are very happy to hear that this campaign has been renewed for 2013!

Sincerely yours,

Katie, Doug & Biscuit

The note from Orvis to Biscuit, included with his gift package states, “THANKS BISCUIT, FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT ORVIS AND THE PETFINDER FOUNDATION.”

In the above photograph, Biscuit is laying on his personalized embroidered blanket that we ordered from Orvis.

Featured in Biscuit’s Orvis gift box are the following items shown immediately below.

Good Dog Gift Bucket

Omaha Steaks Dog Treats

Antlerz Dog Chews

We believe that Biscuit’s story has inspired others to consider dog rescue, helping other dogs in need of loving homes. Our lives have been blessed with Biscuit, and Biscuit will always serve as an inspriation and an example of a sucessful dog rescue story for all!

Feb 20

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The Connection Between Relaxing and Increased Productivity

There recently was a great article in the New York Times about the importance of relaxing — and how taking time to relax actually increases productivity. More and more people find themselves overwhelmed with the increasing daily demands that never seem to end. According to researchers, the best way to get more accomplished may be to spend more time actually doing less. According to this New York Times article, the research shows that strategic renewal including daytime workouts; short afternoon naps; sleeping longer hours; more time away from work; and longer and more frequent vacations actually boots productivity, job performance; and health.

This article made me think about how to balance my internal drive to work with periods of relaxation. I plan to start a new practice: take more regular breaks to rejuvenate; take afternoon walks; and take reading breaks. So this will require being more mindful and intentional.

This article also made me think about Biscuit. Biscuit is able to relax with no problem (presuming (1) he is not at the vet; and (2) he is not worried about being left behind somewhere, which are both anxiety provoking for Biscuit). This New York Times article makes me think that perhaps we should take a lesson and adopt some principles from our furry family members who naturally have no problems relaxing on a daily basis — See a peaceful and handsome Biscuit pictured below!

Feb 19

Another Biscuit Sighting!

This weekend while I was out grocery shopping at Wegmans located in Columbia, Maryland, I decided to look and see if there were any Jones Soda Co. bottles featuring Biscuit. To my delight, I found two bottles of Biscuit shown below! Each time Doug and I are out grocery shopping, we usually stop and check for Jones Soda Co. bottles featuring Biscuit. We have gathered about thirty-five bottles of Biscuit to date (with the help of friends)! Although, we have given bottles away to family and friends as a nice memento!

If anyone finds any Jones Soda bottles featuring Biscuit, please send me a photograph and a description of where you found the Jones Soda Co. bottles featuring Biscuit and I will feature it on this blog! Thank you and happy hunting!