Farewall My Sunshine

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my friend and four-legged companion Max this past March. I made this drawing of him in 2013 and it is amazing to me how his eleven years of life flew by. For my partner Ken and I, Max felt the closest thing to our own child. We used to say, (in Max’s character voice,) that he was a real boy in a fur suit forever five-years-old. Perhaps the product of too many Jim Henson Muppets from my childhood, but all the animals in my life can talk, have unique personalities and are as soulful as any human person. Drawing animals has always had a special place in my heart not simply as another service to offer clients, but also because I’ve often felt closer to animals than I do people. Art-making is a solitary career path and the animals in my home have become my closest friends, often knowing when I need a cuddle or some play-time away from work. I am inspired by animals for their endless supply of love and affection, and our Max was the embodiment of pure unconditional love for everyone he met. My dog taught me to see the best in everyone, to dance when I felt sad, and to make time to play every day because you never know how long you have. You were our Sunshine…Good boy Max. Your Daddies will miss and love our angel forever.