Danger Dog Blog

New Nepal Signboard Art at Nomad in Cambridge

Nomad (near Porter Square in Cambridge) is welcoming some new Danger Dogs this week.

Dalmation by Lal Karki, synthetic enamel on metal, available at Nomad.

This very folk art version of a Dalmation dog is a classic with its line up of teeth and tongue, detailed collar and abstract spots.  

I recently ran into Lal Karki in Pokhara in September 2012.   He is still painting, but he and his wife have opened a clothing store in the Lakeside area, as his hand painted work is drying up.

I am sorry to see that his studio, with its storied walls, as seen above, is no more.   The floors and walls of signboard studios are covered with spatters.   I took this photo when I came to pick up.   The Spitz is a particular favorite of mine and is also available.

Ruby & Otterpop by Baba, 1"x1" synthetic enamel on metal, available at Nomad.

Ruby & Otterpop are a great pair of small black dogs.   As they lounge on their bench and stare out at the world,  Baba has captured their direct gazes.    The chalk marks used to keep the lettering straight are long gone.

Ruby & Otterpop are also agility dogs who have their own website, along with their teammate, Gustavo.   You can find them at blog.teamsmalldog.com.

Peanut by Sagar, 1"x1" synthetic enamel on metal, available at Nomad.

A strong compact black dog with ears that stick up, Peanut loves her ball.   It is appropriate that Sagar painted her on a pair of green and yellow balls.   This one is graphically beautiful.   If you look closely at the background, you can see the shady ladies that Sagar often adds to his background.

Stella the Lhasa Apso by Sagar 1"x1" synthetic enamel on metal, available at Nomad.

Also at Nomad is the charming Stella, a Lhasa Apso that is looking ascance in her portrait.   A cute dog, she sports a collar that includes the artist Sagar's signature in Japanese.   Again, this sign has strong graphic beauty.

Nomad is located in the heart of Cambridge at 1741 Mass Ave, 02140.

Their phone number is (617) 497-6677.  Their website is here.

Stop by and see some great Danger Dog art as well as clothing and folk art from around the world.   Tell them Michelle sent you.

They will also be featuring some Folk Art Obamas.   More on that later.

To see what else is in stock at Nomad, please click here.   I warn you that many have already sold.

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you would like to have your dog (cat, horse, chicken , bunny, etc.) immortalized on metal here in Nepal, now is the perfect time to order.   I will be here in November, 2012, to order more Danger Dogs and Cats.

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   Orders now accepted for the Winter 2012 trip.

 

HOW TO ORDER

To order, please send me a photo of your pet.   I will give it to three different artists, giving you achoice of 3 paintings and three artists will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out, be framed or unframed.

While I am in Nepal, your pet will be featured on the Danger Dog Blog, as I stop into the artists' studios and document the works in progress.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

Send your photo to [email protected] or find out more at www.NepalDog.com.

Let's keep these artists painting.

American Dogs = Nepali Jobs.

Hello from Dogmandu!

Please check out the Nepal Dog YouTube Channel:   http://www.youtube.com/user/NepalDog

You will be happy you did!

Micro-finance through art patronage.    Trade not Aid.

 

See the Dogs Live in Boston Part 4

Danger Dogs are quite the hit at Nomad in Cambridge.  They have been a howling success.   Cambridge Canine added their voice to the pack.

Irish Setter by Santosh Shrestha, approx 12"x12" synthetic enamel on metal, available at Nomad.

The intent gaze of the Irish Setter is captured by Santosh Shrestha in this black backgrounded signboard with pink and white lettering.   And a pretty blue nose.

Pekingese by Vinosh, approx 12"x12" synthetic enamel on metal, available at Nomad.

Malachy the Pekingese, this year's Best In Show winner at the Westminster Dog Show, would be proud of this portrait of an elegant and well-groomed Pekingese with a direct gaze and beautiful coat.  This sign is painted on grey baked on enamel.

By Vinosh, an artist that has since moved to Saudi Arabia to work as a manual laborer.

Pug by Sagar, approx 12"x12" synthetic enamel on plastic, SOLD at Nomad.

This painting of a Pug was not a commission from me, but an attempt for the artists to make some money while I was not in Nepal.   Of course, I could not resist this beautiful portrait of a Pug against a green background, even though it was painted on plastic.  

Many of my artists have requested to paint on plastic, but it is not traditional, so I have said no.   This one is wider than it is tall as well.

You might notice that this one is sold.   Better get on over to Nomad to see them all.

Sheepdog by Dilip Niroj, approx 12"x12" synthetic enamel on metal, available at Nomad.

This is a pretty Sheepdog, done in a folk art style by Dilip Niroj.   The nice shadowing shows off the brushwork on this Sheepdog's hair.

Shepherd by Hari Timesina, approx 12"x12" synthetic enamel on metal, available at Nomad.

Bat dog by Hari Timesina is a fun portrait of a Shepherd with big ears!   Hari has a style all of his own, and this is one of his best.   Every artist who painted Bat Dog thought I meant to say Bad Dog.   There are no 'bad' Danger Dogs!

Fudgy Joe the Sheepdog by Hari Prasad,approx 12"x12" synthetic enamel on metal, available at Nomad.

Fudgy Joe the Enlightened Sheepdog looks out at the world from a blue and golden background as painted by Hari Prasad.

Chewy the Yorkie by Amar, approx 12"x12" synthetic enamel on metal, available at Nomad.

Chewy by Amar Shrestha is a fresh and pretty portrait of a Yorkshire Terrier.  Amar brings out the innocence of a dog and this painting is no exception.

As you can see, every Danger Dog tells a story.

This is the last post for the Danger Dog treasures that you can find at Nomad in Cambridge.   Some signs never even made it to this blog before they were snapped up by the discerning Danger Dog lovers from Cambridge.

They seem to be selling like hot dogs, so if you are in the area stop by soon.  Their address is at 1741 Mass Ave in Cambridge, not far from Porter Square.   Be there or be square.

To see the Dogs in person, here is their website:   www.NomadCambridge.com   Tell them Michelle sent you!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Your pet too can be immortalized on metal by struggling Nepali signboard artists whose hand-painted work is being replaced by digital graphics.   Find out how below.

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   Orders now accepted for the Summer 2012 trip.

 

HOW TO ORDER

To order, please send me a photo of your pet.   I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three artists will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out, be framed or unframed.

While I am in Nepal, your pet will be featured on the Danger Dog Blog, as I stop into the artists' studios and document the works in progress.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

Send your photo to [email protected] or find out more at www.NepalDog.com.

Let's keep these artists painting.

American Dogs = Nepali Jobs.

Hello from Dogmandu!

Please check out the Nepal Dog YouTube Channel:   http://www.youtube.com/user/NepalDog

You will be happy you did!

 

See the Dogs Live in Boston! Part 3

The Danger Dogs are a hit already in Cambridge at Nomad, a Folk Art store for urban explorers near Porter Square. 

Scottish Terrier by Vinosh, approximately 12"x12" Acrylic on metal, SOLD at Nomad.

This charming black Scottie Dog was hand painted in Nepal by Vinosh on my second Danger Dog trip.   Vinosh was in fine form and painted many dogs for me. 

Vinosh has since moved to Saudi Arabia where this talented artist can make more money doing manual labor than he can as a signboard artist in Nepal.   This brought home to me why the Nepal Art Dog project is so important.   A full 26% of Nepal's GNP is from remittance - which the Nepalese refer to as 'going out'.  Perhaps with more Fair Trade orders, these artists could stay with their families.

Vinosh' talent and sense of design is a terrible thing to waste.  More on that problem here on a previous post.

Cooper the Black Lab by Dilip Niroj, approximately 12"x12" Acrylic on metal, available at Nomad.

This soulful portrait of Cooper is by Dilip Niroj.   The eyes really glow and Dilip's rendering of this Black Labrador Retriever's black fur is truly masterful.

Dilip is the proud owner of 3 dogs - a Doberman Pinscher, a German Shepherd and a Pug.   What a combo!   His love of dogs comes out in this painting.

Colette the Poodle by Amar Shrestha, approximately 12"x12" Acrylic on metal, available at Nomad.

Colette the Black Standard Poodle is pretty in pink in this dramatic, almost cubist portrait by Amar Shrestha.   The large eye is a nice counterpoint to the red collar.

Corky the Chocolate Lab by Megh Raj Thapa, approximately 12"x12" Acrylic on metal, available at Nomad.

Corky is obviously a smart dog to have had this lettering.   This portrait of a Chocolate Labrador Retreiver is by Megh Raj Thapa, one of my softer artists.   A gentle man, he lovingly paints his Danger Dogs with a deft hand and a great eye for detail.

Reign the Corgi by Sagar, approximately 12"x12" Acrylic on metal, SOLD at Nomad.

This Corgi's owner is very attractive, as you can see, and Sagar chose to include her in this one-of-a-kind portrait.   He may have gone a bit overboard with the myriad frolicking girls in the background.   Nevertheless, this blue-eyed Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the commanding centerpiece to this fun painting.

Sagar teaches Japanese students to paint in Nepal and they in turn taught him enough Kanji for him to use as his signature.

Sheepdog by Mohan Neupane, approximately 12"x12" Acrylic on metal, SOLD at Nomad.

Mohan Neupane's beware of dog signs are always painted with a dark blue background, pink lettering and the dog always has a dark dropshadow.   This sheepdog is a great example of Mohan's art.

As you can see, every Danger Dog tells a story.

More of the Danger Dog treasures that you can find at Nomad in Cambridge will be featured in a later blog.   Stay tuned.

They seem to be selling like hot dogs, so if you are in the area stop by soon.  Their address is at 1741 Mass Ave in Cambridge, not far from Porter Square.   Be there or be square.

To see the Dogs in person, here is their website:   www.NomadCambridge.com   Tell them Michelle sent you!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Your pet too can be immortalized on metal by struggling Nepali signboard artists whose hand-painted work is being replaced by digital graphics.   Find out how below.

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   Orders now accepted for the Summer 2012 trip.

 

HOW TO ORDER

To order, please send me a photo of your pet.   I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three artists will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out, be framed or unframed.

While I am in Nepal, your pet will be featured on the Danger Dog Blog, as I stop into the artists' studios and document the works in progress.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

Send your photo to [email protected] or find out more at www.NepalDog.com.

Let's keep these artists painting.

American Dogs = Nepali Jobs.

Hello from Dogmandu!

Please check out the Nepal Dog YouTube Channel:   http://www.youtube.com/user/NepalDog

You will be happy you did!

 

Danger Dogs in Cambridge - Part 2

The Danger Dogs continue to take over Porter Square at Nomad!

Sasha the German Shepherd by Sufraj Khadka, synthetic enamel on metal approx 12"x12", available at Nomad.

Sasha is a beautiful example of an Enlightened Dog by Sufraj Khadka.   Sufraj' distinctive style with its drop shadow calligraphy and gradation of background color makes a nice foil for his dogged glow and pretty border treatment.

Bailey the Dachshund by Sufraj Khadka, synthetic enamel on metal approx 12"x12", available at Nomad.

Sufraj really pulled out all the stops on this one: green background, red collar, blue border, pink writing, brown dog.  It all works to delight the eye.

Siggy the Boxer by Nara of Asha Arts, synthetic enamel on metal approx 12"x12", Available at Nomad.

Nara is what I would call a 'Dog's Dog' painter.   His beautiful portraits are technically in perfect proportion.   Notice the fine detail on the chain collar and Siggy's eyes, nose and ears really pop against Nara's dark blue baked on enamel background.

King the Pomeranian by Nara, synthetic enamel on metal approx 12"x12", SOLD at Nomad.

Also by Nara, we have this fine painting of a handsome peach colored Pomeranian named King.   King's owner requested English only on her signs, and the irony of such a little dog being dangerous is evident.

Freddy the shepherd mix by Baba, synthetic enamel on metal approx 12"x12", Available at Nomad.

The master painter Baba is in fine form with Freddy the Danger Dog.   Baba has a good color sense with his dramatic yellow and red writing across the bottom and his white against navy blue Nepali script on the side. 

Halo the German Shepherd by Baba, synthetic enamel on metal approx 12"x12", Available at Nomad.

Baba again delivered a lovely rendering of Halo the Alsatian.   Realistic in detail and vibrant in coloring, this one stands out as a Good Dog should.

Tony the Tiger Cat by Megh Raj Thapa, synthetic enamel on metal approx 12"x12", SOLD at Nomad.

This is a sweet portrait of Tony the Tiger Cat by Megh Raj Thapa.   Soft and lovingly painted, Megh Raj really brings out the stripes.

As you can see, every Danger Dog tells a story.

More of the Danger Dog treasures that you can find at Nomad in Cambridge will be featured in a later blog.   Stay tuned.

To see the Dogs in person, here is their website:   www.NomadCambridge.com   Tell them Michelle sent you!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Your pet too can be immortalized on metal by struggling Nepali signboard artists whose hand-painted work is being replaced by digital graphics.   Find out how below.

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   Orders now accepted for the Summer 2012 trip.

 

HOW TO ORDER

To order, please send me a photo of your pet.   I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three artists will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out, be framed or unframed.

While I am in Nepal, your pet will be featured on the Danger Dog Blog, as I stop into the artists' studios and document the works in progress.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

Send your photo to [email protected] or find out more at www.NepalDog.com.

Let's keep these artists painting.

American Dogs = Nepali Jobs.

Hello from Dogmandu!

Please check out the Nepal Dog YouTube Channel:   http://www.youtube.com/user/NepalDog

You will be happy you did!

 

See the Dogs Live in Boston! Part 1

East coast 'Friends of the Danger Dogs' will be happy to hear of a new location on Mass Avenue near Porter Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts.   The fabulous store Nomad will be featuring 31, count 'em 31, new Danger Dogs (and a few Cats).

Yuki the Shiba Inu by Sufraj Khadka, synthetic enamel on metal 12"x10" Available at Nomad.

Yuki the Shiba Inu is returning closer to his digs.   Yuki lives in upstate New York and Sufraj's portrait certainly brings out Yuki's intense gaze.   Sufraj Khadka is one of my best calligraphers as well.   Unlike many signboard artists, Sufraj chose to become a painter rather than follow in his father's footsteps.  

Suf is an ardent anti-smoking advocate.  One thing that many Nepalese signboard artists have in common is an aversity to waste.   So Sufraj cleans his brushes by painting anti-tobacco slogans on his studio walls.

 

Ike the Boston Terrier by Sagar, synthetic enamel on metal, approx 12"x12" Available at Nomad.

What could be more appropriate for the Boston area than this portrait of Ike the Boston Terrier by Sagar.   I once came back to reorder fresh Danger Dogs, when I saw this painting that Sagar did on spec, hoping that I would buy it.   That is why there is no wording on this signboard as Sagar did not know whether to add 'Danger Dog' or 'Zen Dog' etc.   Of course, I could not resist buying Ike.   I like Ike.

Sagar teaches painting to Japanese art students visiting Kathmandu.   That is where he learned to sign his name in Japanese Kanji.   In the landlocked country of Nepal, Sagar's parents named him after the ocean and his signature translates as 'Ocean' in Japanese script.

Westie by Hari Prasad, synthetic enamel on metal, approx 12"x12" Available at Nomad.

I saw this adorable West Highland Terrier on my street and ran outside to photograph him.   This portrait of the 'Unknown Westie' is by Hari Prasad of Kathmandu.   Hari has been with the Danger Dog fair trade art project since the first trip and his work is among my favorites for its uban quality.  

Hari Prasad and I first connected through a third party studio who basically brokered out the work and took a commission for his trouble.   I now work directly with the artists and have cut out the middleman, who has moved on to another business in any case.   I am still eternally grateful to Surya for his introducing me to what I consider to be among the finest signboard artists in Kathmandu.

Lucy the Tabby by Baba, synthetic enamel on metal, approx 12"x12" SOLD at Nomad.

Lucy the aggressively affectionate cat is by Baba, who self-proclaims that he is "the elephant of artists - all others are horses!"    He is not really wrong, and when he paints on the sidewalk, he is sure to draw a crowd of on-lookers who marvel at his expertise and style.

Baba is the only artist with the Danger Dog project that is from India.   He is from Tamil Nadu in Southern India.   When the tsunami hit, Baba lost his wife, a child and his livelihood as a Bollywood movie graphic designer.   Baba remembers when he had a crew of 40 artists working on Bollywood posters.   

In the 1970's and 80's, Nepal, India, Burma and Thailand were filled with movie theatres with long canvas banners with scenes from the film, hand painted for each theatre.    Baba painted these signs.  

Charley the Elkhound by Sanjib Rana, acrylic on metal, approx 12"x12" Available at Nomad.

Charley the Elkhound is painted by Sanjib Rana using acrylic paint on new galvanized steel.    Sanjib is the only artist I have worked with who is not a signboard painter per se.   He came highly recommended by a long time Kathmanduer (or is that Kathmanduee?).   Sanjib had painted murals on gates, dining areas and bathrooms in my friend's home.   Sanjib had never painted on metal before he joined the Danger Dog project and his acryllic paintings cannot be mounted outside as they are not painted with the synthetic enamel that the other artists use.

Sanjib is not comfortable with calligraphy, so the added drama of the Zen Dog above was designed by Birju Chaudhury.   The Nepali (Devengari) script reads 'Dharma Kukur' or religious dog.

 

Karma the Shitzu by Megh Raj Thapa, synthetic enamel on metal, approx 12"x12" SOLD at Nomad.

Karma the Shitzu truly looks Enlightened with her adoring gaze.   Megh Raj Thapa is great with color and with the typical Nepali signboard flair, he combines color in a fresh and non-Western way.   But the outcome is pleasing all the same.

Megh Raj has taught his only son, Onup, to run the business and bring it into the 21st Century.   Onup knows his way around Photoshop and, with the help of a Nepali/English dictionary does the translations for some of my more esoteric customer's requests.   ie:  'Don't be fooled' or 'Hussy'.

Giggles the Black Cat by Megh Raj, synthetic enamel on metal, approx 12"x12" sold at Nomad.

But Megh Raj can paint.   Here is Megh Raj's portrait of Giggles the Tuxedo Cat.   The golden glow fades to peach and spotlights Giggles' green eyes.

Yorkie by Amar Shrestha, synthetic enamel on recycled metal, approx 12"x12" Available at Nomad.

When I spoke before of odd requests for lettering, this one generated a lot of chuckles from the artists when I tried to find the Nepali equivalent with my less than stellar Nepali.    How does one say 'Hussy' in the Nepalese Language?

This portrait of Shu Shu the Yorkshire Terrier by Amar is painted on recycled metal.   If you look at the actual painting, you can see (and feel) the texture from the earlier signboard.  

As you can see, every Danger Dog tells a story.

More of the Danger Dog treasures that you can find at Nomad in Cambridge will be featured in a later blog.   Stay tuned.

To see the Dogs in person, here is their website:   www.NomadCambridge.com   Tell them Michelle sent you!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Your pet can be immortalized on metal by struggling Nepali signboard artists whose hand-painted work is being replaced by digital graphics.   Find out how below.

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   Orders accepted for the Summer 2012 trip.

 

HOW TO ORDER

To order, please send me a photo of your pet.   I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three artists will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out, be framed or unframed.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

Send your photo to [email protected] or find out more at www.NepalDog.com.

Let's keep these artists painting.

American Dogs = Nepali Jobs.

Hello from Dogmandu!

Please check out the Nepal Dog YouTube Channel:   http://www.youtube.com/user/NepalDog

You will be happy you did!