Exploring the Artistic Canine World: Highlights from Collage to the Rescue

Wendy Tigerman’s Collage to the Rescue is a captivating collection that combines the artistry of collage with the mission of animal welfare. This unique book showcases the work of various artists who use their talents to celebrate dogs while supporting rescue organizations. Each piece not only highlights the artist's creativity but also tells a story of compassion and advocacy.

Jack Bucholtz, hailing from Calgary, Canada, contributes a piece titled Dog Walker. This collage emerged from a narrative about a friend who initially disliked dogs but found unexpected joy while working as a dog walker. The friend’s experiences with a pitbull and a Mexican poodle, two breeds she had previously been skeptical of, led her to a newfound appreciation for these misunderstood animals. Jack’s artwork captures this transformative journey, illustrating how preconceived notions can be challenged and changed through personal experiences.

Another notable piece is The Boy Pavlov by James Herbst. This digital montage draws inspiration from Ivan Pavlov’s experiments with classical conditioning. The artwork juxtaposes the image of a boy and a dog, symbolizing the complex interactions between expectations and responses. It serves as a reminder of how conditioning can shape our interactions and highlights the importance of understanding and empathy in relationships.

Wendy Tigerman is a mostly-retired copywriter, graphic designer, comedy broadcast producer, and creative director in advertising and entertainment. She’s an L.A. native aka former Sorrento beach bunny, student of Tibetan Buddhism, and tries to only do things that are fun and make her laugh. We think she’s accomplished just that with her collage “Dogs With Hats” and we hope you do too.

Robin Isely, a digital collage artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, presents Companions. After retiring from the SPCA, Robin began to explore digital collage, often featuring animal imagery. Her work is a tribute to the many dogs she encountered during her career, reflecting her ongoing love for animals and her commitment to their well-being. Robin’s collages often include Greyhounds and other breeds, capturing their grace and personality through her digital art.

Terry Sand, who began her artistic journey in Ohio and later moved to San Francisco, offers a whimsical piece titled Bosco. Made from paper scraps that would otherwise be discarded, this collage celebrates the arrival of spring with the playful image of a dog named Bosco. Terry’s work showcases her ability to find beauty in the mundane and her talent for transforming ordinary materials into expressive art.

Sandy Oppenheimer, a self-taught artist with a background in painting and mixed media, presents Portrait of Bernice. This collage, created for a client, features an all-black dog named Bernice. Sandy’s use of patterned papers to capture different values highlights her skill in creating depth and texture in her artwork. The client’s letter expressing Bernice’s joy upon receiving the portrait underscores the emotional impact of Sandy’s work.

Sunset at Poodle Palace by Cherie Savoie Tintary is another delightful entry. This piece features pink and blue poodles in a 1950s-style pink house, merging nostalgia with a touch of kitsch. Cherie’s use of vibrant colors and playful imagery reflects her love for both poodles and retro aesthetics, adding a cheerful note to the collection.

Suzanne Ebert, known for her diverse painting techniques, offers a collage titled Otis. This work, created from a photo of her beloved dog Otis, showcases Suzanne’s ability to blend different mediums to capture her subject’s essence. Her approach to collage, which involves sketching and layering papers, brings Otis’s expression to life, celebrating the bond between artist and pet.

These artworks, along with many others featured in Collage to the Rescue, not only highlight the artistic diversity of collage but also underscore the shared commitment to animal rescue. The book serves as a testament to the power of art to inspire change and support worthy causes. Each piece, whether it’s Jock’s exploration of personal growth, Robin’s tribute to her SPCA career, or Suzanne’s heartfelt portrait of Otis, contributes to a larger narrative of compassion and creativity.

In addition to showcasing individual talents, Collage to the Rescue also supports various animal rescue organizations. By purchasing the book, readers contribute to these organizations, helping to provide care and find homes for countless animals in need. This collaborative effort between artists and advocates reflects the profound impact that creative expression can have on the world.

Ultimately, Collage to the Rescue is more than just a collection of artwork; it’s a celebration of the bond between humans and animals, and a reminder of the ways in which art can make a difference.

In addition to the individual stories and artistic expressions found in Collage to the Rescue, the book highlights the broader impact that art can have on animal welfare. By merging creativity with advocacy, the artists featured demonstrate how visual art can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and fostering empathy towards animals. Collage art, with its ability to juxtapose different materials and perspectives, mirrors the diverse and often complex experiences of rescue animals and their journey to finding loving homes. This fusion of artistic expression and social advocacy not only enriches the viewers’ appreciation of art but also contributes to a greater understanding of the importance of animal rescue efforts.

Furthermore, the collaborative nature of this book underscores the strength of community in supporting rescue missions. Each artist brings their unique perspective and skills to the table, creating a collective impact that extends beyond the realm of art. The proceeds from the book and the visibility it provides to various animal rescue organizations help amplify the message of compassion and support for animals in need. This project serves as a reminder of the ways in which creative communities can come together to make a tangible difference, proving that art is not only a reflection of our values but also a catalyst for positive change. Through the combined efforts of these talented artists and dedicated advocates, Collage to the Rescue embodies the spirit of collaboration and hope that drives both the art world and animal welfare movements.