Thursday, December 25, 2008

Monday, December 1, 2008

Day With(out) Art

For World AIDS Day & Day With(out) Art, Sparky remembers his talented and loving friends that have passed on - Alex Aleixo, Mark Carter, and Tom Teebe.





You are always in our hearts!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Sparky in da Hood - Road to Recovery


Sparky is already doing much better. He got some sleep last night and so did I - no more crying and howling 'til dawn. He is back on his feet and begging for treats. Of course, he hates wearing his cone, but I think it's quite Christian Siriano or Queen Elizabeth...

Thank you for all your well wishes.

Much love from Sparky.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Sparky's Nip and Tuck

Sparky had a little tummy tuck* and ass lift* today...

All fairly minor surgery, but surgery all the same. The vet says it went well, but he is still recovering. He's been crying since he's come back home. The pain killers don't seem to be comforting him much, but I think mostly it's uncomfortable for him to lay down, so he is tired, sore and a little confused (not to mention mad at me).

If you would like to try to cheer Sparky up, you can send him a get well card, a happy drawing or say a prayer, of course, if you don't pray, you can just send him cash - that always cheers him up... Email Sparky at sparky@sparkyandnelson.com


* The surgery was necessary to extrude and blocked anal gland and also to remove a large lipoma on his abdomen.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Pitbulls for Obama by Amy Jean Porter


We love Amy Jean Porter and here is another great project from her! Send your address to her and you'll get a tiny print just like this! - amyjeanporter@gmail.com

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Sparky for Obama



Sparky says:
Do you know the difference between a pitbull with lipstick and the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate?

The pitbull is less scary!


From the Humane Society Legislation Fund...

Gov. Sarah Palin's (R-Alaska) retrograde policies on animal welfare and conservation have led to an all-out war on Alaska's wolves and other creatures. Her record is so extreme that she has perhaps done more harm to animals than any other current governor in the United States.

Palin engineered a campaign of shooting predators from airplanes and helicopters, in order to artificially boost the populations of moose and caribou for trophy hunters. She offered a $150 bounty for the left foreleg of each dead wolf as an economic incentive for pilots and aerial gunners to kill more of the animals, even though Alaska voters had twice approved a ban on the practice. This year, the issue was up again for a vote of the people, and Palin led the fight against it -- in fact, she helped to spend $400,000 of public funds to defeat the initiative.

What's more, when the Bush Administration announced its decision to list the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, Palin filed a lawsuit to reverse that decision. She said it's the "wrong move" to protect polar bears, even though their habitat is shrinking and ice floes are vanishing due to global warming.

The choice for animals is especially clear now that Palin is in the mix. If Palin is put in a position to succeed McCain, it could mean rolling back decades of progress on animal issues.

Voters who care about protecting wildlife from inhumane and unsporting abuses, enforcing the laws that combat large-scale cruelties like dogfighting and puppy mills, providing humane treatment of animals in agriculture, and addressing other challenges that face animals in our nation, must become active over the next six weeks to elect a president and vice president who share our values. Please spread the word, and tell friends and family members that an honest assessment of the records of the two presidential tickets leads to the inescapable conclusion that Obama-Biden is the choice for humane-minded voters.

More details here.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Sparky say: Meet Carlos in Ankle Soup

Sparky want to share some exciting news about a fellow furry friend, Carlos the French Bulldog. Carlos has his own children's book - Ankle Soup. The wonderful illustrations are by Sparky's friend Alison Josephs and the story is by Maureen Sullivan.



Come meet Carlos at two upcoming events:
Tuesday, September 16 at 7 PM
Shipyard Park in Hoboken

Thursday, September 18 from 6-9 PM
508 West 26th St in NYC

For details on both events visit www.AnkleSoup.com

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Sparky's Summer Vacation



Sparky apologizes for the lag in blogs. After a frantic art summer, he needed a little R&R. Though, he's been thinking of all of you and wishes you were here.

He is also rethinking the website and will get to it once tanning season is officially over.

Hope you're all having a wonderful summer too!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

The Summer of Sparky comes to an End



The Sparky Show officially closed Wednesday July 30, 2008. It was a great experience that Sparky is still talking about. Thank you to everyone who participated and all of you who came out to see the show. Now Sparky is just waiting for the MoMA to call.

Here is a last peek.







Monday, July 7, 2008

Testimonial - Albert Crudo




The first time I met Sparky there was an instant connection. It was outside The Cat Club sometime in the 90’s- it struck me as funny, Sparky being at the Cat Club but after all, in those days he was everywhere. So anyway, there he was, an international superstar and, I guess, I just kinda fell into the role of star-struck groupie. He was surrounded by his posse of hangers-on, including that lecherous attention hoarder, Nelson, but the intense and immediately intimate rapport Sparky and I had transcended all boundaries and previous attachments. We hung out, drinking champagne, dancing the night away and later, when we were able to ditch the rest of his fans, he brought me to his inner sanctum, a private suite at the Waldorf that he kept just for when he was in town and well, the rest is history. We spent the night together and while it was the most amazing, spiritual experience of my life, when I arose the next morning, I realized the true, profound love we shared wasn’t going to be enough, I knew my fragile ego would never survive the constant onslaught of girls, boys and other 4 legged creatures constantly throwing themselves at the Sparkster (that relentless Nelson in particular)- so we shared a quick Soy venti latte and some Beggin’ Strips and I was on my way. But I will always cherish that evening as something magical- I was never the same. I LOVE YOU SPARKY. - Albert Crudo

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Testimonial - Steed Taylor




Tail-wagging cute and friendly from the get go, minimally dress but accessorized perfectly, smooth and sleek with a sexy grin...wait, that's Nelson! I usually find a dog reflects his master's personality and Sparky is no exception. The last time I saw Sparky, he was cutting through a packed art opening, checking out the scene, working the crowd, greeting friends and strangers alike with grace and aplomb. I remember thinking, what a pro just like Nelson. They were a two-part, half-dog-half-man love machine teithered by a visible leash and an invisible psychic connection no man could break. - Steed Taylor

Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy 4th of July



(I love hotdogs, but I hate fireworks)

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Sparky Extended!




By popular demand, the Sparky Show has been extended! That's right, you still have a chance to check out the best show of the summer! The New York Time calls it "the can't miss exhibition of the year!" and The NY Post called it "a scandalously good time" (okay, they didn't really say that, but I'm sure if someone from those damn papers showed up, they would...)

The Sparky Show won't last forever, so go see it now before it's too late!

Thru July 2008

Schroeder Romero / Winkleman Gallery Project Space
637 West 27th Street (btw 11th and 12th Ave) NYC

Friday, June 27, 2008

Testimonial - Joe Monroe



Though I have never met Sparky, I do know what a dog can do for a person. Maybe when I get out to New York, I will meet Sparky. It is true that a dog will love unconditionally. I have an Italian Greyhound, named Picasso. Sometimes when I talk about him people think I am talking about the "other" Picasso. But I know when there is no one around, there is your dog. Sometimes or many times a dogie will follow you everywhere you go. A dog loves to take naps with you and loves to play . So I have a feeling this is how Sparky and Nelson get along. Joe Monroe and Picasso. Bark bark. - Joe Monroe

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Hurry before Sparky is outta here...


Just a reminder that The Sparky Show closes Saturday, June 28, 2008

If you haven’t seen the over 100 Sparky pieces, now is you last chance...
Schroeder Romero / Winkleman Gallery Project Space
637 West 27th Street (btw 11th & 12th Ave), NYC

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Testimonial - Jan Harrison



I met Sparky and Nelson when we delivered the painting, “Sparky Sense,” in 2006. The look in Sparky’s eyes and body greetings show that he is intelligent, humorous, and kind, as well as complex! Nelson’ Santos’ “Sparky” project is a celebration that addresses the need for art (and human consciousness) to get beyond the human focus only. - Jan Harrison

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Testimonial - Cat Celebrezze




The appeal of cults is that you get to put all your hopes, dreams, talents, toward a very specific other, a deference which can be a relief for those of us who have a crushing need to feel productive in life. Never again will you accidentally come across your inner monstrosities or beauty queens loitering on the corner trolling for ya yas. Or ambushing you at inopportune moments with their angry fire-breathing or bored tantrums. They're occupied, dammit. In line and working for once. And really, isn't that what religion and/or art is all about? Getting all that messy human condition to work for you instead of against you? I suppose it's all a matter of degree. Regardless, if ever there was a candidate for cult worship/religious dedication/artistic inspiration it's Sparky. My induction into the Way of Sparkela was accomplished without even the physical presence of His Eminence. Simply the idea of Sparky's and his Fan Club was enough to get me, my inner Godzilla and Vanessa Williams together in a room, humming Tom Jones happily, and pumping out some laminated love. All three of us are now loyal disciples. - Cat Celebrezze

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Sparky at Monya Rowe Gallery


Sparky makes a guest appearance with Francois Sagat at Monya Rowe gallery in the exhibition Guys We Would F*ck, curated by Nayland Blake.

June 12 - August 1, 2008

Monya Rowe Gallery
526 West 26th St #605
New York, NY 10001

Artwork can also be downloaded online.

Testimonial - Vincent Cianni




Sparky was handsome, outgoing, active, personable and engaging. Yeah, if I were a dog, I'd marry him. - Vincent Cianni

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

WOOF! An Interview with Sparky by Amy Sadao

(reprinted from The Journal of the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation, No. 27, Spring 2008)

Amy Sadao:
Hi Sparky, I’m a longtime fan, probably since your collaborator Nelson Santos first raved about a “rising art star” who had moved to Brooklyn. Off the bat, we should address some gossip. How do you answer the critics who say you’re selling out the underground arts community that nurtured your work early on?

Sparky: Bite me. I’m kidding. They’re just jealous of my big bone anyway. Oh, when I was a pup, I was more of an ankle-biter. Back then “detractors” might end up with an unnecessary series of rabies shots. But now, who has time for haters?

AS: You weren't always a famous artist. Tell us about your background and how it influences your work?

S: Well, I come from a very working class background. Don’t know my real Dad, taken from my Mom young, lived in foster homes, never fit in. I ran away. One day on the street, I injured my paw. There I was bleeding and scared, and this artist type took me in. I wasn’t sure about Nelson at first, but we hit it off. My work definitely reflects my outsider roots.

AS: So when did you realize your true calling was as an artist?

S: I have some early chew pieces, but mostly as a young pup I just wanted to run wild. I thought artists were sissies in berets. But Nelson took me to galleries and I started digging performance and conceptual art. I collaborated on video and photo pieces with Nelson but quickly realized my calling was bigger, ready to involve more artists.

AS: So much has already been written about your most ambitious work, The Sparky Project. What do you think is most often overlooked in critical analysis of this piece?

S: It’s not easy looking glamorous and inspiring artists. I work in subtleties, finding expression for my many sides: butch Sparky, princess Sparky, destitute Sparky, dandy Sparky. But I’m more than a pretty picture. The project creates relationships between artists and viewers as a vehicle for unconditional love. And when you take a Derridian approach to deconstruct the authorship of this project, I think you begin to see the real meaning of it all.

AS:
And how long have you been collaborating with Nelson? Can you tell us a story about your partnership?

S: Well, it is The Sparky Project, not The Nelson Project. Sometimes convincing him of the larger vision is hard. He thinks he’s essential when I know the artist just wants me. I humor him. This one time, the photographer was framing me and Nelson actually put a rubber ball in his mouth and nuzzled his way in. I shouldn’t bite the hand that feeds me but he is riding my coat tails. He’s a good kid, but this project would be nowhere without me, and he knows it.

AS:
There’s a New York show up soon. Where can your fans keep track of your work?

S: I’m happy to announce The Sparky Show will be at Schroeder Romero / Winkleman Gallery Project Space (637 West 27th Street, NYC) through June 2008. And, even though MySpace shut down my page, you can still find me online at www.sparkyandnelson.com.



AS: Do you identify as a gay artist?

S: It’s nobody’s business whose butt I sniff, but I’m not ashamed of it either. I’ve had some good bitches, but I tend to fall for those Alpha Dog types. There have always been amazing dogs whose sexuality was known in the industry but kept quiet publicly. Lassie was certainly the Rock Hudson of the four-legged world. As far as labels go, I prefer Queer Canine – I’m here, I’m queer, I’m peeing on your lawn, Get use to it!

AS: How about when you are described as a dog artist?

S: More pigeonholes! I’m an older, gay, white (with black spotting) dog working in a homosapien-dominated market. I have a lot of friends in the animal kingdom and we don’t judge based on the color of our fur or even whose balls we like to lick. I show in non-dog contexts. You have to move beyond dog parks and kennels if you want to grow artistically.

AS: Particular to this publication, I have to ask, how do erotica and gay culture influence your work?

S: My work is erotic but I’m not making puppy porn. It’s A.R.T. Why make a big deal over a little extra exposed fur?

AS: The Sparky Project turns on you not only as subject but as a presence, a phenomena and, at the same time, decenters the single artist as independent creator?

S: Finally, a real question. I was beginning to feel awfully Page 6. The project is challenging. Of course I’m the star but the work is more than headshots, it is a investigation into collaboration.

AS: Who are some of the other artists you would like to work with?

S: William Wegman, the early work. I have a few ideas for Matthew Barney, Jeff Koons, and Cindy Sherman. Hey, if you are reading this, give me a call. And anyone interested in participating should visit www.sparkyandnelson.com

AS: Thanks so much for your time Sparky.

S: Woof

Amy Sadao is the Executive Director of Visual AIDS and a sometimes art writer who lives in Brooklyn. She began her career as an intern for Sparky.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Testimonial - Carol Radsprecher




I met Sparky (hi, Sparky!) only once, when I dropped off my postcard for the Visual AIDS benefit the year before last. He made a very good impression on me: He was polite, friendly but not effusive, healthy-and-happy looking--an all-around GUD GUD dog! I'm hoping to see him at the show, if the admiration of hundreds is not too overwhelming for him and he chooses to instead stay home, snoozing (I can emphasize with that choice, too, since I, too, love to stay home and snooze). And I love the Sparky Project and love having had the chance to be part of it. - Carol Radsprecher

Friday, May 23, 2008

Testimonial - Sam Tan




I have never met Sparky in person, but judging from the wealth of art that has arisen from this very special project and from meeting Nelson, I am certain that Sparky is much more than a creative muse, but a doggie that every pet lover would love to own and cherish. - Sam Tan

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Testimonial - Micheal Harwood




I am honored to be a part of the fabulous Sparky Show - to be amongst so many talented artists, devoted to the canine muse incarnate. It may seem paradoxical to say, but you've created an island of humanity within the Chelsea sea of synthetic art. - Michael Harwood

Friday, May 16, 2008

Seen: The Beautiful and Glamorous come out for the Sparky Show!



Sparky wants to thank everyone who showed up to the Sparky Show opening - and apologizes for his delay in updating this blog (it's time consuming being an art star). The opening was a great success. Hundreds of Sparky fans turned up.


Seen with Sparky, include the lush-ous Albert Crudo, alluring Amy Sadao, beautiful Barbara Weissberger, cowboy stud Bill Donovan, rock'n Cat Celebrezze, doubly cute Catya Plate & Button, ever-clever Chris Clary, stunning Danielle Dimston, handsome David Abbott, talented Eric Rhein, witty George Towne, glitter-fabulous James Jaxxa, the fantastic Jan Harrison, radiant Janice Caswell, always entertaining Jeanine Oleson, angelic Jennifer Lehe, charming Jon Coffelt, outrageously talented Joy Garnett, hot daddy Kermit Berg, lovely Laura Gilbert, the amazing Lepson-deVries Singers (Erika, Marc, Dove and Zane), luscious Lizzy Bonaventura, the dapper Lou Laurita, exquisite Magalie Guerin, the accomplished Mark Chamberlian, scintillating Mary Button, the elegant Megan Cump, stupendous Meredith Allen & Iggy, hunky Michael Harwood, fierce Milton Garcia Ninja, engaging Noel Wynn, bewitching Rachel Farmer, suave Reyes Melendez, sexy Richard Presser, hottie Richard Renaldi, captivating Serge J-F Levy, titillating Stanely Stellar, hunkalicious Steed Taylor, classy Stefanie Nagorka, chic Vanessa Boer, the swanky William Powhida and many others!

Special thanks to Mark Thompson and Paul Sendzuik for all their help with installation.

Big Licks to all of you!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Testimonial - Emily Severance




My dad's met Sparky and thinks he's a sweet dog. My friend Kay's met Sparky and thinks he's a sweet (but horny) dog. People from all over the world visit Sparky and think he's a sweet dog. However, few have experienced his darker suicidal side by taking him for walks around his Brooklyn neighborhood--walks I refer to as the Chicken Bone Express to Hell. Sparky can spot a chicken bone a block away, but that's not necessary when the neighbors so accommodatingly provide him a landscape of 5 chicken bones per square foot to lunge about in.

"Don't do it Sparky! Don't end your life by getting a chicken bone stuck in your craw! Remember Nelson and all the good things in life: snapping at bubbles, sniffing crotches, and humping dogs!" Despite my pleas, at times I've had to hold open his mouth and dig out the bone shards of his potential doom that drip with the saliva of his self-destructive desire.

People might think the chain and collar I made for Sparky and Nelson is supposed to represent the strong bond they have, or how Sparky's so wonderful that people want to be chained to his magnificence, but really it's to help him get a better grip on his tenuous hold on life. By keeping closely connected to the owner he adores, I pray, implore, and hope he'll escape those enticing, life-ending chicken bones.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Testimonial - Gina Lovoi




Well, I'm totally a member of the Sparky Fan club, as evidenced by my heart-shaped "I love Sparky" balloon. I love dogs, but I especially love dogs which remind me of my own dog, Jack. Sparky and Jack met many years ago. It was fairly uneventful, as I recall. I'm pretty sure they both ignored each other. It made no sense, since they were both of the same age, both of the same color and both had owners who consistently paid homage to them. Sparky will always remind me of Nelson. In turn, Nelson will remind me of being in college and grad school. Which then reminds me of listening to the OJ Simpson trial on the radio and how upset I got when I heard the verdict. But, that's neither here nor there. More importantly, Sparky will always remind me of how much we love our animals...and how they love us back. - Gina Lovoi

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The Sparky Show


The Sparky Show

May 15-June 28, 2008
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 15, 6-8 pm

Schroeder Romero / Winkleman Gallery Project Space
637 West 27th Street (btw 11th and 12th Ave) NYC

An exhibition of over 100 portraits of Sparky by...
David B. Abbott • Derrick Adams • Alex Aleixo • Meredith Allen • Stephen Andrews • Marina Ancona • Dominick Avellino • Thomas Bellof • Barton Lidice Benes • Kermit Berg • Dennis Bergevin • Vanessa Boer • Elizabeth Bonaventura • Joseph Brajcki • AA Bronson • Mary Button • Mark Carter • Janice Caswell • Niccolo Cataldi • Cat Celebrezze • Mark Chamberlain • Vincent Cianni • Chris Clary • Jon Coffelt • Albert Crudo • Megan Cump • Erika deVries • Marta Dell’Angelo • Danielle Dimston • William Donovan • Angela Dufresne • Neil Farber • Rachel Farmer • Sarah Farsad • John Findysz • Teresa Fogard • Martin Freeman • Milton Garcia-Ninja • Joy Garnett • Paul LeRoy Gehres • Laura Gilbert • Eric Ginsburg • Jeffrey Graul • Max Greenberg • Magalie Guerin • Kim Hanson • Jan Harrison • Michael Harwood • Alex Hetherington • David Humphrey • Derek Jackson • James Jaxxa • David King • Scooter LaForge • Aldo Lanzini • Lou Laurita • Jennifer Lehe • Marc Lepson • Serge J-F. Levy • Tim Lonergan • Gina Lovoi • Preston McGovern • Reyez Melendez • Toma Miller • Joe Monroe • Michael Muller • Stefanie Nagorka • Jeanine Oleson • Laura Sue Phillips • Drew Pisarra • Catya Plate • Amy Jean Porter • William Powhida • Carol Radsprecher • Richard Renaldi • Eric Rhein • Daniel Roberts • Nelson Santos • Joel Seah • Emily Severance • Frank Sheehan • Ethan Shoshan • Oren Slor • Clifford Smith • Thomas Somervile • Clare Stein • Stanley Stellar • Sur Rodney (Sur) • JD Talasek • Sam Tan • Steed Taylor • Tom Teebe • George Towne • Alexander Vasiljev • Alberto Velasco • Glenn Walls • Barbara Weissberger • Michael Werner • Robin Willis • Noel Wynn • Rob Wynne and you’re invited to participate too!

www.sparkyandnelson.com

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Testimonial - Joel Seah



Fabulous Diva Holly Greenberg, my graduate school professor introduced me to Nelson Santos, knowing that I would fall in love with him and his hot dog. Fairy Godfather Jon Coffelt and Ex-Fuckbuddy JD Talesek re-established this connection. I have never met Sparky - but when I do, I will give him kisses on the nose, scratches on the head and cuddles in the bed. As a text-based artist, my piece for the Sparky project is informed by language and writing as social constructs. - Joel Seah

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Testimonial - Stefanie Nagorka



Sparky is an amazing animal. He is kind, gentle, affectionate and polite. He has one of the loveliest noses I know. Liver colored with speckles, it inspires thoughts of greatness. - Stefanie Nagorka

Saturday, March 15, 2008

The Sparky Show hits Chelsea! (move over bitches)


The Sparky Show will be exhibited this Spring at the Project Space @ Schroeder Romero / Winkleman Gallery, 637 West 27th St, New York. All artwork in the Sparky Project will be on display – and there is still time for you to participate! Deadline is April 15, 2008.

Sparky wants you! To participate, artists simply create an artwork involving Sparky (or Sparky and Nelson). Artwork is open to all mediums: photography, painting, drawing, and sculpture. Participating artists become Lifetime Members of the Sparky Fan Club and all work (received in time) will be exhibited. The Sparky Project began in 2004 and there are now over 60 contributing artists. The Sparky Project’s mission is to collect 101 portraits of Sparky.

If you would like more information or want to set up an appointment with Sparky, please email nelson@sparkyandnelson.com

For inspirational snapshots visit Sparky on flickr and for samples of final artwork check out www.sparkyandnelson.com

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Sunday, February 17, 2008

MySpace is NOT Spark'y friend


In Sparky's quest to make as many virtual friends as he can, he recently started a MySpace profile. It seem to be going well, he uploaded a bunch of pictures, was sending comments and even had 12 friends in two days, but then, out of nowhere, MySpace decide that Sparky was not their friend and canceled the account without an notice or warning!!! All traces of Sparky had disappeared and his friends were left wondering what happened?

When we contacted MySpace, the only reason give was “it was in violation of MySpace terms and conditions - which can include a number of issue (inappropriate images, excessive violence, racism, cyber bullying, underage user, etc)”

There were some pictures of Sparky without this collar on, but they were very tasteful and though he is a white dog, he has many other dog friends of all colors, and since he is 16 years old which is 112 in people year, I don't think his maturity is the issue...I just don't know what it was about. When asked again for a specific reason, Sparky was told “We do not keep records of removed profiles or images. Once an account has been deleted, there is no way to re-activate the account or retrieve any of the information.” ?!?

Well, thanks a lot MySpace, for wasting our time and crushing a little dogs heart. But no fear, Sparky is a trouper and he will makes his friends the old fashion way, blogging...

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Welcome to Sparky's Blog


Well, it was bound to happen, Sparky has his first blog. This is the place for Sparky to expose his most intimate thoughts and feelings to the rest of the world (and regret it later). It's also a place for him to vent about the hardships of being an art star, news about what happened on the way to the park, and a little bit of gossip - like who's butt he sniffed today. We will also post thoughts and testimonials from some of Sparky's favorite artists and collaborators. And, of course, what's a blog with out some revealing photos.

If you have anything to share, please drop Sparky and Nelson a line, and be sure to check out The Sparky Project at www.sparkyandnelson.com