Danger Dog Blog

LIVE from Kathmandu

Starting today, I'll be posting live from Kathmandu!   We are having a warming trend, so the weather is perfect.

 
Back to the land of Tibetan grannies walking their Lhasa Apsos while circumnavigating the holy Boudhanath Stupa.

 
Boudha stupa view from a friend's house.

While waiting for the cyber cafe to open, sitting on a bench reading the Republica Newspaper, an old friend joined me - a black and white mother dog that I have known for years.  After a quick scratch behind the ears, she jumped up on the bench and proceeded to guard me from all those Tibetan Mastiff bullies sniffing at her, keeping me from petting them!   Wish I had a photo of her with me.   She is a sweet dog, and I got more than one smile from the throngs of people passing by as she nuzzled and defended me at the same time.

 
After a grueling 15-hour plane ride in the worst seat possible, I arrived in Hong Kong to find unseasonably hot weather.   Had a 10-hour layover, spent eating, reading, drinking and enjoying this view from the United Red Carpet Club.   Got a shower, new food arrived often, good Shiraz from Australia, free wifi... who could ask for more.  

  

The clouds, the mountains, the ships, the high rises, the planes, the people scurrying by on the people movers -- all from a bird's eye view while enjoying the amenities.  

If you would like to order your very own Danger Dog, Enlightened Cat, or Super Dogs, now is the time.   Send me a file of your pet and I will give the photo to at least 3 different Nepali painters, giving you a choice of 3, and 3 Nepali signboard artists work.   You  pay nothing until I get back in early December, and only if you like one of the paintings.  

Any questions or comments, please contact me at ampage1@gmail.com.  

Scenes from Kathmandu

  

Looking through my photos, I have come across some great photos that remind me of the extreme beauty that is Kathmandu, especially this time of year.  

 
The pomp, the ceremony, the bustle... Here is a group of yellow hat lamas in procession at the Boudhanath stupa.

  

These boys and their dog are enjoying Nepal's 'Day of the Dog', part of the 2008 Tihar ceremony.

 
The traffic, the colorful clothing, the markets....   I'll be there Wednesday!  

Order your very own Danger Dog by sending me a photo of your pet.   I will give that photo to at least 3 different artists ensuring that these artists get much needed work.   You get 3 choices and only pay after you tell me which portrait of your pet you prefer.   Satisfaction guaranteed.

You can send me a photo up to Thanksgiving to be included in this 6th Danger Dog trip to Nepal.  I will be home in early December in plenty of time to take care of holiday orders.

This is a Fair Trade Art project, giving much needed work to the Nepali signboard artists.  I have worked with over 56 artists to date, commissioning 1250 pieces.   The artists have been paid for every one.

All new photos from Kathmandu will begin next week.   Check in once or twice a week for new photo essays.

Please contact me at ampage1@gmail.com with any comments or questions.

Danger Dogs Available at GhettoGloss Gallery

It was sad to take down the Wall of Dogs at the Ghetto Gloss Gallery, but it had to be done - they have a new show opening on Saturday.   Here is what you can find still up on the walls, on their rental gallery, or on their on-line sales room...

  

This first painting is by Ramesh at Om Art.   The painting is from an editorial photo of Bruce Weber's dog with a lot of jewelry.   However, as Ramesh painted it, it looks a bit like the dog has hydrophobia to me.   The wild eyes and the primitive teeth have always been a favorite of mine, and I was happy that Fiora and the GhettoGloss team liked it as well. 

 
This portrait is painted from a newspaper clipping of rescue dogs and is by Yuba Raj Adhikari. 

The Nepali script reads:  'Beware of Dog'. 
Also by Yuba Raj, from the very same pitiful newspaper, this Danger Dog looks like he has been ironed.   I call him the Flatiron Dog.

 
Here is the lovely Boston Terrier Veera with a cynical look captured by Sabala.

 
G.G. the Black Standard Poodle by Sabala glows.

 
Also by Sabala is Floy the Pitbull looking serious.

 
Kayla the White Shepherd lives in Canada.  Here is her portrait by Sabala.

 
Louis is a Spiritual Poodle - my first - by Sabala.

 
This little chihuahua is by Sagar, in his signature style of round motif with vibrant colors and his Japanese chop.

 
By Hari Prasad is this portrait of Kitty the young Dachshund. 

 
This little Jack Russell with a tie is by Shahi of Pokhara.   
Amar Shrestha of Boudha painted Mollie the Jack Russell as an Enlightened Dog.

 
An adorable Pomeranian by Nara of Asha Arts.   Signed on the reverse.   This client asked not to have Nepali script included in their commission.   Beware of Dogs indeed!

 
Moose the Rottweiler by Nara of Asha Art.   The intense gaze and delicate paws make for a great painting.

 
This little Scottie Dog wrapped in a blanket is signed Amar = mini painter.  

These 15 Danger Dogs are available at the GhettoGloss Gallery on 6109 Melrose (at Seward) 90038.  

It is always interesting to see which Dogs someone will pick to display in their shop.   Fiora has quirky taste.   She got the Dogs from the very first time she saw them.   Thanks to her brother Jeff for recognizing that she would enjoy the Fair Trade Art project.  

It is hard to believe that this exhibit is the fifth exhibit this year.   From Hollywood to Tehachapi to Venice to San Luis Obispo and back to Hollywood, this has been the 'Year of the Dog' as far as I'm concerned.   Thanks to everyone who has supported the Danger Dogs from their inception 2 and a half years ago.

I will be in Kathmandu next week at this time.   If you enjoy following this blog on occasion, it will get more interesting next week.   For those of you who hang on during the lean (California) times, I appreciate it.    I'll be back with the new orders in early December in time to ship Christmas orders.

I do love comments and questions, so please contact me at ampage1@gmail.com.

Get those orders in if you have them.  

All pieces are approximately 1 foot square, synthetic enamel on metal.   Each commission receives a choice of at least 3 portraits of their pets by 3 different Nepali artists.   You choose what you'd like your sign to say, and pay only after you decide you like one.   Satisfaction guaranteed.

Here is a link to the GhettoGloss Gallery.   You are always welcome on my website NepalDog.com.

Three of a kind! Which would you choose?

I'm off to Nepal next week, and this is the best time to place your order.  

 
This triple portrait series of Layla the Black Lab is an example of what you can expect when you place your order.   Sabala, Sufraj, and Ram Krishna (clockwise from top) painted these signboards.   The owner bought the one by Ram Krishna and the other two have been sold as well.   

 
Fern the Jack Russell by Sabala, Sagar and Nara of Asha Arts (clockwise from top left).   The owner chose the portrait with the pink bg by Sabala and the other two are still available.   Fern makes a lovely odalisque.

 
Jack Frost the Labrador Retreiver by Hari Prasad, Amar and Sabala.   The owner bought the green one by Amar.   The Nepali script reads 'Om mani padme om.'  Jack as a Dharma Dog by Hari Prasad and Sabala are still available.

 
These Danger Cats, Scooter and Cheeto, are a fine example of a set of Danger Cats, though I doubt they are much of a Danger to anyone.   By Sabala, Punam and Jit Gurung (clockwise from top), the owner has chosen Sabala's work and the other two are available.

 
Lula the Tonkinese by Amar, Hari Timsina and Sabala.   Sabala was the one chosen by Lula's owner, so the other two are up for grabs.  

 
Lucy the Cattle Dog by Sabala, Sagar and Hari Prasad (clockwise from top left).   Hari Prasad was the chosen one this time, and the portraits of Lucy by Sabala and Sagar are still available.

Every Danger Dog has its own story.   If you are interested in any particular breed, or would like more information on how to order or about this Fair Trade Art project, please contact me at ampage1@gmail.com.  

Or you can go to my website at NepalDog.com.  

I'm leaving for the 6th Danger Dog trip in less than a week, so get those orders in soon!   This will be a short trip of less than a month, and your next opportunity to commission a piece will be next spring with a delivery date of June.  

All of the Danger Dogs (and Cats) are approximately a foot square, synthetic enamel on metal, and are suitable for placing outdoors or in.   They look great framed, as well.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Halloween Treats

Happy Halloween!

 

G.G. the Lady Bug stopped by to pick up another of her portraits.   She had a hard time deciding but finally settled on the painting of her at the beach by Hari Timsina.  

  

I think she made the right choice.   G.G. is one of those dogs who are comfortable in costume obviously!
 

Earlier in the day, I was watching the set up of the Santa Monica Museum's Halloween Halla Gala party.   The decor included taxidermied chickens who looked live as their feathers blew in the wind.

 

It's been awhile since my last American Halloween, and I enjoyed this one wholeheartedly.  

 
25th Street in Santa Monica goes all out on Halloween.   Last night was no exception.   Here a man adjusts the head of a ghoul.

  

Graveyards and colored lights were a common theme.  

 
Pumpkins and witches...

 
Avery, the French Bulldog, was in his prison garb.

 
This man came as trash TV.   
I like this close up better.   Much more mysterious.   But you can't see the TV!

 
Here I am dressed as a 1960's Pan Am Stewardess.   On 25th St, I ran into a lady who used to work at Pan Am then and she enjoyed the costume.   Also a man who's mother used to be a stew in those days.    I got lots of compliments on the costume.   I also got to wear lots of eye makeup!    Dan was a TWA pilot, and you can spot him in the wide shot of the Trash TV man holding his cup of grog.  

I'm flying off to Nepal soon.   Any questions, comments or, best of all, orders can be placed by contacting me at ampage1@gmail.com.    This will be a shorter trip than usual, so get those orders in early.  

Each commission of your pet will be given to 3 signboard artists in Nepal who will paint your pet on metal.   You can choose which of the 3 you prefer, and then, and only then, you pay me, I send you your pet's portrait.   3 artists get work, 3 choices are yours, the rest goes to folk art collectors.   Satisfaction guaranteed.

By the way, all artists are paid Fair Trade wages - they set the price.   Whether you buy their work or not, they are paid.   Also, a portion of all proceeds goes to support various charities.  

Nepal Dogs are for pet lovers who collect art and would like to make a difference.   Micro-finance through art patronage!

Danger Dogs in Manhattan!

Finally New York Danger Dog lovers have a place to see the Dogs in Manhattan.   

 
Prudence Designs at 231 West 18th Street is proud to present the Danger Dogs!    Carlson Handy saw the Dogs at the Product-N-Press show in Chelsea on Tuesday and liked them right away.   Sorry about the bad photo.   Maybe Carlson will send me a better one.    One that includes Danger Dogs.

Here's a peek of the Danger Dogs you will get to see in person by stopping by:

 
Niki, a Pomeranian from Brooklyn will get to admire her portrait.   Above by ShaShi.   The script is in Tibetan.

 
FloJo, an Italian Greyhound, got a Nepali Extreme Home Makeover.   The couch that FloJo is lounging on is originially beige.   Shree likes a little more color in his furnishings.

 
Millie, the Enlightened Chocolate Lab, by Megh Raj.   Megh Raj paints a very lifelike portrait.

 
Aussie the Labradoodle's portrait includes Govinda's trademark reflective lettering.

 
No Danger Dog exhibit is complete without a Boxer.   My friend Siggy as painted by Sabala.

 
This Coton de Tulear signed by Surya also looks like a sheepdog.    I believe this one was painted by Vinosh.

 
Gustavo by Sabala.   The Nepali script translates as 'Dharma Dog'.

 
It wouldn't be Halloween without a black cat.    Zia by Chandra Chaudhury.

 
Luke the Weimaraner by Hari Timsina.

 
This fluffy sheepdog is by Amar Shrestha of Boudha.

 
Also by Amar is his portrait of a bulldog that I photographed at a garage sale here in Los Angeles.  

 
This Zen Kitty is a tomcat named Lula.   Not named by Johnny Cash, this Tonkinese cat's balls dropped 7 weeks late!   And he was already named.   No wonder he has his dukes up in this painting.

 
Desi the Havanese puppy is by Megh Raj.

 
Shree painted Layla the Black Labrador against a golden backdrop and added a dramatic border.

 
Grace by Sagar, post apocalypse.   Sagar means ocean in Nepali and his Japanese chop signature means ocean in Japanese.

 
Annie and Pitzel the Pomeranian and the Papillion by Jit Gurung of Pokhara.

These Danger Dogs are taking over Manhattan.   Hopefully soon they will come to your neighborhood.   I'm trying!

Please order your Danger Pets soon, as I am leaving for Nepal in less than 2 weeks.   Each Danger Dog commission generates work for 3 Nepali artists and 3 signboards on metal for you to choose from.   Extras will end up on Museum Shop walls, art exhibits, or in cool stores like Prudence Design.   

By the way, Prudence Designs was named for Carlson's dachshund Prudence.    Find out more about Prudence Designs at PrudenceDesigns.net.

More tomorrow.

New Stone Age Dogs!

New Stone Age on West Third here in Los Angeles has new Danger Dogs in stock.   

 
Kahuna the Zen Pug by Shree.    Kahuna rests his head on a pink and blue couch that is reminiscent of Matisse.    The blue dogbone dogtag is a nice touch.

 
This dramatic Sheepdog by Khanchan of Pokhara is on extra durable metal.  

 
This brutish Chocolate Labrador is by Sagar.   This is from when Sagar painted his Danger Dogs as thugs.   

 
Amar Shrestha made Laverne the Bulldog into a sweet dog (and gave her a slimmed physique, too) with a charming underbite.   

 
Dilip painted this double portrait of the Pomeranians King and Princess.   It is 12" x 15".  

 
Another good double dog painting is this pair of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels signed Birju.   Painted by Vinosh, who now is off in Saudi Arabia doing remittance work.   Therefore portraits by Vinosh are no longer available.   Birju does the lettering and signs the artwork.

 
This little Westie was walking by my house one day and I took this photo.   Painted by Hari Prasad.

 
Davey the Black Labrador Retriever by Nara of Asha Arts.

 
This black and red dachshund is by Govinda Kalikote.

 
This pitbull is by Sagar and part of his Thug Series.

 
A very studly Italian Mastiff painted by Pulkit of Nepal Arts.

 
This profile of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a hunter green background is by Santosh Shrestha of Pokhara.

 
This Lhasa Apso by Birju Studios was one of four Fran couldn't let go.   Again by Vinosh, you will not be able to get this artist for at least another 3 years.   But it is still available at New Stone Age.

 
This little white dog is also by Vinosh.

 
Another painting by Vinosh.   This is his version of a Scottie dog. 
Lastly, we have Bubba the Boxer by Ram Krishna. 

Stop by and see these lovely new additions to New Stone Age.   New Stone Age is located at 8407 West Third Street (cross street Orlando) 90048.  You can call for directions at:  323-658-5969.   Or check out Fran's website at:  NewStoneAgeLA.com

It is hard to believe that in 2 weeks I will be back in my beloved Nepal. 

There is no better time than the present to order your very own Danger Dog (or Cat)!   Each commission will give work to 3 Nepali signboard artists.   Satisfaction guaranteed as you pay only after you choose which of the 3 portraits you prefer.   I will return from Nepal in early December in time for the holidays.   What better present than to have your pet immortalized on metal by these talented artists?   You can have these signboards say whatever you like and can choose the artists and type of art you'd like.

Please contact me at ampage1@gmail.com with any questions or comments.   You can also go to my website at NepalDog.com to see more.

New York and the Danger Dogs

I traveled with some Danger Dogs to the Product-N-Press event in  Chelsea.   The Dogs were well-received.  Leave it to smart New York journalists to get the concept of Fair Trade Micro Finance.

 
Sharing a booth with lots of products from Susan Hartzler's Alpha Dogs, we had a lot of items to attract the over 200 media who attended.   Alongside the Danger Dogs, the wine bottles are from the Dog Lover's Wine Club, and the labels feature a limited edition of 22 of the dogs rescued from Michael Vick's dog fighting enterprise.  

 
Alpha Dog PR was well represented by Chelsea, a lovely, friendly, well-behaved King Charles Spaniel.   Chelsea was a good ambassador for our table.

 
I was happy to see Mick Jagger and Jerry Lee in the window of the OK Harris Cigar Store at 355 W. Broadway in Soho.  Both paintings are by Sabala.

More adventures from New York when I catch up from my whirlwind trip.  

I am leaving for Nepal for the 6th Danger Dog trip in November.   Anyone who would like to send in a photo of their beloved pet should do so now and I will give it to 3 different artists.   Satisfaction guaranteed.   You pay nothing until you choose one of the 3 paintings.   I'll be returning in early December in plenty of time to deliver for the holidays. 

Please contact me at ampage1@gmail.com with any questions or comments.

Thanks to Jono and the whole production staff of the Product-N-Press held last Tuesday at La Venue.   Everything went smoothly from the set up to the catering to the great mix of media that showed up.

Danger Dogs Opening Exhibit at GhettoGloss a success!

Thanks to all of you who attended last night's opening of the Danger Dogs at the GhettoGloss Gallery!

 
As you can see, it was a Howling Success!   Arrow the Black Lab showed up in her fabulous rhinestone collar.

  

Jenny Mollen Biggs judged the costume contest.  She and her husband Jason Biggs have been big supporters of the 'Burma - It can't wait' movement, making a YouTube short.   See it here.

  

Peanut came as a skunk.

  

Edgar and Julie check out the wall.   Notice that Govinda's use of reflective tape looks good in the camera flash.   That reflective tape would be perfect at the end of a driveway.

 
This is Bobby Gorgeous.   This pup has his own website, twitter, myspace page, facebook account etc.   Fortunately, he has not let it go to his head.   This little Pomeranian should be in movies!  He is perfectly behaved, has an animated face, he's quiet, interested in everything around him, soft as a furry cloud of fluff.   He loved wearing this costume -- strutting and shaking his little blowfish costume like a Zeigfield Follies boy.    The purple glow is a LED light.  Needless to say, this photo does not do justice to Bobby nor his costume, which was clearly the winner.

 
He made a lot of new friends last night.

 

The exhibit will remain up until the 29th of October.   Hope you can find the time to drop by and see these Dogs as they should be seen.  

 
Olivia came in her crocheted outfit.

Altogether, it was a good chance for some new people to see the Danger Dogs.  

If you would like to immortalize your own pet, please send me a file and I will give that photo to at least 3 different artists in Nepal.   You pay only after you choose a portrait of your pet.   You get a choice, 3 artists get work, and galleries and museum shops get folk art.   Cost of a portrait of your pet on metal by these artists is $250 for one animal per signboard.

Ghetto Gloss opening is Thursday, the 22nd.

Whew.   Who said curating was easy.   193 pieces are hung for your viewing pleasure at the always fabulous Ghetto Gloss Gallery in Hollywood.  

 
I say these Dogs look great en masse.  The Danger Dogs are a Fair Trade Art project promoting Nepalese signboard art.   To date, 1250 signboards have been commissioned, giving work to endangered Nepali signboard artists.   Digital art is replacing hand-painted signs at a rapid rate.  Everyone loves modernism.   These unsung artists are varied in their styles.   I have worked with 56 artists from Nepal.  

Of course, every signboard you see on this blog today is available for $200.   There are some steals.   Some will sell for less.  Generous discounts -- especially if you have a dog that looks like an existing Danger Dog.   You have to agree that these 30 Nepali signboards look good together.  

 
(Good thing I'm tall.)   Wouldn't these look great in a restaurant?   Everyone loves dogs.   These pieces appeal to pet lovers who collect art and would like to make a difference to Nepali signboard artists.

 
The opening is on Thursday, October 22, from 8 to midnight.   It is okay to arrive as early as 7pm, though.
For all you fans out there that like this effect.   I offer a bulk discount on multiples.

 
If you get tired of looking for your pet, contact me and I'll send the file along that includes your pet.

 
There are 100 Dogs on this wall.

 
I'll try to get one in focus of this wall next time.

  

Cats and birds are represented, too, of course.

Hope to see you on Thursday.  Go to  GhettoGloss.com for more details.  

For more details on the Danger Dogs...go to www.NepalDog.com  or contact me directly at ampage1@gmail.com.

Every Danger Dog has a story.... And I know them all!