The Print Project - Canines of Cairns  (2016)

Canines of Cairns is an exhibition in two parts; first is the image referencing the human/canine bond and second is the story behind that connection. From my perspective, the story is just as important as the artwork, both working together to form a composite impression of the special inter-species relationship. There will also be a dual outcome in the form of an exhibition (KickArts Contemporary Arts 2016) and a small-run artist book.
This is where I need your help. I am seeking to collaborate with local dog owners by having them provide their individual dog's story and by allowing me to take photographs of their dogs in the great Cairns 'outdoors'. While each story will be unique and different, I am looking to see if there are patterns in the whole experience of living with and unconditionally loving a special dog.
To help you get started, below is an example of Cooper's story written by owner, Debbie Ross. Cooper featured in my last solo exhibition One dog is one, two, few. I have also included a list of questions which might help you think on what you would like to write about.
 
How did your dog come into your life?
Why is your dog special to you?
What things annoy you about your dog?
What is your favourite characteristic of your dog?
How does your dog make you smile?
What naughty things does your dog do?
If this is something that you (and your dog) are keen to participate in, please check the available times and let's arrange to meet up where you normally walk your dog (or somewhere special) for some fun photos!
Phone/text 0438 535 957 OR email [email protected] OR FB https://www.facebook.com/rose.rigley
You can also see some of the participating dogs from this project on the Canines of Cairns FB page.

 Times available Monday 6-8am, 10am-2pm, 4-6pm; Tuesday 4-6pm; Wednesday 6-8am, 10am-2pm, 4-6pm; Friday 6-8am, 10am-2pm, 4-6pm;  Saturday 6am-2pm; Sunday 6-10am, 4-6pm
Picture
Cooper collects fleas II 2015
Cooper’s Story by Debbie Ross
Each day I begin my morning in exactly the same way, not with the latest electronic ringtone on my smart phone or with the harsh cry of an alarm clock. The first thing I hear every day is the gentle patter of 4 fury feet approaching my bed, followed by serious sniffing of my closest body part to investigate if I am awake. Some days I pretend to be asleep and I feel 29kg of fury hound step up and curl around at my feet on the bed, but most days I open my eyes to be welcomed by Cooper’s morning face. Cooper is always alert and excited to start a new day, he jumps on the bed, crazily rolling and pushing, encouraging me to get up. Cooper’s tail wags so furiously I laugh at the thud it makes on my back – it feels like a massage. Cooper howls and growls until I get up. I smile, wondering how it would feel to be that happy every morning.......
.....Twice a day, Cooper insists on his walk, which drags me away from my work and resets my stress levels. Every day Cooper reminds me to walk barefoot on the grass, be present and enjoy the small things. He supported me through a difficult long term break up. (It’s hard to lie in bed depressed with Cooper howling happily and wagging his tail). Most of my close, beautiful friends came through Cooper playing with their dog. Cooper reminds me to slow down and stop occasionally; he even tells me when it’s too late to be working on the computer and it’s time to go to bed. When we first met, I really believed it was Cooper who needed me but perhaps I just couldn’t see it was me who needed him. I often wonder if I was supposed to go pick him up that first day and didn’t, so he found his way to me all the same? I feel very lucky that he did.