Description

Original Travis Louis dog drawing from the collection of Chris Mars. A benefit for Mutt Mutt Engine dog rescue. From the personal collection of artist/musician/filmmaker Chris Mars ( www.chrismarspublishing.com ), we are offering a selection of one-of-kind, artist-made and vintage pieces in support of Mutt Mutt Engine ( www.muttmuttengine.org ), the dog rescue charity founded by Chris Mars. This auction features an original graphite drawing on rag paper by artist Travis Loie, purchased directly from the artist. It is a very charming work of art, professionally and archivally framed. Travis Louie’s paintings come from the tiny little drawings and many writings in his journals. He has created his own imaginary world that is grounded in Victorian and Edwardian times. It is inhabited by human oddities, mythical beings, and otherworldly characters who appear to have had their formal portraits taken to mark their existence. The underlying thread that connects all these characters is the unusual circumstances that shape who they were and how they lived. Some of their origins are a complete mystery while others are hinted at. A man is cursed by a goat, a strange furry being is discovered sleeping in a hedge, an engine driver can’t seem to stop vibrating in his sleep, a man overcomes his phobia of spiders, etc, … Using acrylic paint washes and simple textures on smooth boards, he has created portraits from an alternative universe that seemingly may or may not have existed. His work is about identity and remembrance, with a veiled commentary on racism and the immigrant experience. He would like the fear of "the other" to be replaced with a curiosity about the unknown and a sense of wonder regarding those things that are unfamiliar. Dimensions: Overall 19" x 20.5" (art itself 13" x 14.5") Vintage: Estimated 2021 100% of the proceeds from this sale benefit Mutt Mutt Engine. Mutt Mutt Engine is volunteer run, paying no salaries and incurring no overhead. Mutt Mutt Engine provides extensive medical care, placement and transport for dogs rescued from the frontlines of overpopulation, abuse and neglect in places from South Carolina to Mexico to Romania – where help is needed, MME under the direction of Chris and Sally Mars will try to provide it. MME does not monetize dogs. It is 100% donor supported. The original price of this collection was around $1000; frame cost around $400 additional.