Hello, my name is Tonka. People call me Tonton
and I'm an official model dog for Paws & Paint.
Today I am posting a statement written by my Mom,
Hiroko Ishimaru.
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To all dog lovers (with or
without paws)
Sometimes it is very strange
how dogs come into our lives to
become our family members. My very first dog,
Gozy (abbreviation
for Godzilla) was a stray puppy picked up by an Animal
Control
officer. I had wandered shelters and rescue groups over several
months,
searching for “the one”, and there he was, when I saw a
shaggy, dirty little guy
looking straight at my eyes, I instantly
knew I found “the one.” He quickly
evolved into a beautiful, loyal
and very special family member. We shared
tremendous joy in
various life events, and we always shared our special
eye-to-eye
talk. Now Gozy has joined angels, but he still looks at me and
my other two dogs from the portrait on the hallway wall in my
house. I imagine
many people have similar experiences and
unique special stories about their family members with paws.
Inspired by the warm heart
and gentle soul of Gozy, I started
painting pet portraits. I want my
images to be creative, fun, and
most importantly, expressive of who these lovely
creatures are
and how their family members perceive them. I hope my
paintings
are just like windows through which viewers feel how precious
their furry friends are to their lives.
Some of my portraits are realistic, some comical and some very
expressive. Regardless of styles, I am always interested in my
images
reflecting their personalities beyond their looks.
Each pet has a unique
beautiful soul, and it is a quality we admire
and what we might see in ourselves
as wholeness and uniqueness.
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I'm finally growing out of my puppyhood (Mom says, "just a
little bit!",) but I'm already an established ball-a-holic! Thank you for
visiting our site.
To see her art works,
place your paw here.
Sincerely,
Tonka |
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This
is Gozy - now deceased world's greatest fetching master!
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If you have questions for
the artist, email us at
portraits@pawsandpaint.com.
Please see "How to Order" section to
see the simple steps to commission your own custom portrait. |
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This
is Mothra - my
big sister who taught me all bad habits very well.
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...and this is
me..
Mom's paintings
at WAGZ in 2007 Summer..
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Exhibitions
and Displays
1993, 1994 - Gallery Café,
Group Exhibitions,
Albuquerque, NM
Mar. - May, 2006 - The Jumping Bean, Berthoud, CO
Nov. - Dec., 2006 - Ziggi's, Longmont, CO
Apr. - May, 2007 - Deja Vue, Fort Collins, CO
Jul. - Sep., 2007 - WAGZ of Colorado, Fort Collins, CO
Veterinary Emergency Hospital (816 S. Lemay, Fort Collins, CO)
Pet Emergency Treatment Service (3629 23rd Ave., Evans, CO)
Doggie Dips & Chips (265C E. 29th St., Loveland, CO)
Arfy's (2601 S. Lemay Ave., Ft. Collins, CO)
WAGZ of Colorado (132 N. College Ave., Fort Collins, CO)
Circle Moon Coffee House (Loveland, CO)
Articles and Illustrations
"Art Week",
Albuquerque
Journal. Oct. 22, 1993
"Paws and Reflect",
Stacy Nick,
Fort Collins Coloradoan,
April 14, 2006
"Canines on Canvas",
Susan Richards, Berthoud Surveyor, April 26, 2006
25 North Colorado, Jul.-Aug., 2006
"A Dog is A Dog" cover,
Author: Clarice Rutherford,
Alpine Publications,
2007 Winter
Award
1992
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Liquitex Art Excellence Award
Education
1991
– 1993,
Bachelor
of Fine Arts
Studio Art - Painting
and
Drawing,
University
of
New Mexico,
Albuquerque, NM
2001,
Master of Business Administration (MIS)
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Organization
Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art member (2006)
Charities and Auctions
2007 Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art Mask Auction
2008 Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art Mask Auction
Larimer County Humane Association
Boulder Hospice Charity
p.s. Special acknowledgement from
Mom and me to Erik and Gordon. Thank you.
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