Sparky and Nelson

Unconditionally Sparky: A Tribute

2009-09-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

Envoy Enterprises
131 Chrystie Street, NYC.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

One-day Exhibition: 12-6 PM
Including a selection of artwork from The Sparky Project
Reception: 6-8 PM.

Please join me in a time to remember and celebrate the lives of all our fuzzy friends that have shared their love unconditionally.

RIP Sparky

2009-08-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

Words truly can't express how much I miss you with all my heart and soul. I love you Sparky.

Sparky's Massage

2009-08-19T20:48:00.001-07:00

Sparky had his first massage therapy today. He seemed to quite enjoy it, and Lon Black (from Hope Vet) is very kind and talented. Sparky's back has been acting up again in the last couple of days, so I called Lon for an appointment. Yesterday, Sparky had a difficult time sitting down. He remained in downward dog position for some time, having difficulty in lowering his back legs. This morning he was moving very slowly on his walk, and when I can home in the afternoon, he had a hard time standing up. When he did finally get up, he immediately peed on the floor (unfortunately, in the house). After his massage, he did seem to loosen up, and is moving a little better. We have another appointment next week and hope for a speedy recover.

Sparky's tribute to Grace...

2009-08-03T13:46:00.001-07:00

Sparky thinks this is a good look...

2009-07-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

For those lonely dog nights...

2009-07-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

DoggieLoveDoll

Bringing new meaning to the phrase doggie-style the world's first sex doll for dogs has gone on sale.The Doggie Love Doll is made for randy dogs ... and promises to save peoples legs, pillows and stuffed toys from over amorous doggie advances. Revealed in Brazil last week, it comes in three sizes and is made from soft rubber for the dog to get a good grip. Once, in position shall we say, there is a silicone hole for fido to get woofy with...

Continue reading here

Note: Sparky still prefers the real thing

Calming Needle

2009-07-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

Sparky at his accupuncture appointment. He doesn't seem to mind, and I get better cell phone reception.

Sparky recommends The Really Big Mirabelle Show

2009-07-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

UFO Festival Alien Pet Costume Contest

2009-07-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

Meatball lets out a big yawn while awaiting the start of the 2009 UFO Festival Alien Pet Costume Contest at the Roswell Convention Center in Roswell, N.M. Read more here.

Sparky says "Happy Gay Pride!"

2009-06-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

Sparky at BBQ Party

2009-06-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

photo by John Sanchez

Pooches hang ten at Surf Dog competition

2009-06-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

from News:lite

More than 60 dogs spent the weekend catching waves, rather than fetching sticks, at an annual US surfing dog competition.

The dogs competed in three different cat-egories for those under 40 pounds in weight, over 40 pounds, and teams, where humans joined the dogs on the boards.Some looked more comfortable than others perched on the surfboards, and while a few wore lifejackets, others were more than happy in just sunglasses.

Thousands of spectators turned up to watch the dogs - and no-one laughed at their doggy-paddling when they fell from their boards.

The event, Loews Coronado Bay Surf Contest, at California's Imperial Beach raised over $15,000 for charity. Kalani, a golden retriever, took first place in the large-dog category while Buddy, a Jack Russell terrier, won first place in the small-dog competition.

Sparky says congrats to Chanel - World Oldest Dog Turns 21

2009-05-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

From The New York Post

By Adam Nichols

She's the world's oldest pooch, with 21 years under her collar, but she never learned how to beg.
"She's independent. If she didn't want to do something, she had a look she would give, and she usually got her way," Denice Shaughnessy joked of her aging dachshund, Chanel, whose 147th birthday — in people years — is Wednesday.

Chanel — named the oldest dog by Guinness World Records last year — is taking a rare trip from her Port Jefferson Station home in New York to mingle with canine buddies invited to her Manhattan birthday party.

The old girl's red hair faded to white a long time ago. Her cataracts force her to wear special doggie glasses and her bones feel the cold.

Her home is kept at a constant 72 degrees. She eats boiled chicken with whole-wheat pasta, and a specially selected soft treat designed for her ancient teeth.

And she spends her days relaxing at home, only taking walks in the summer.

GLOW IN THE BARK BEAGLE

2009-04-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

from the New York Post

By RITA DELFINER

Meet Ruppy, the glow-in-the-dark puppy.

The cloned beagle -- her full name is Ruby Puppy -- and four other pups glow because they have genetic information from sea anemones, a breakthrough scientists hope will help in the study of human diseases.

The pups produce a protein that glows under ultraviolet light, New Scientist magazine reported yesterday.

Researchers created the first transgenic dog -- so-called because it has genes transferred from another species -- by cloning and inserting cells that express a red fluorescent gene produced by sea anemones.

Scientists hope it will lead to transgenic dog models of human diseases, the magazine quoted one of the team members, CheMyong Ko of the University of Kentucky in Lexington, as saying.
"The next step for us is to generate a true disease model," he said.

The team that created Ruppy was led by Byeong-Chun Lee of Seoul National University in South Korea, who with stem-cell researcher Woo Suk Hwang was part of the scientific effort that in 2005 created Snuppy, the first cloned dog.

Greg Barsh, a Stanford University geneticist who studies dogs as models of disease, called it an "important accomplishment," according to the magazine.
But Nathan Sutter, a geneticist at Cornell University whose specialty is dogs, said "transgenesis is laborious, expensive and slow."

When the cost of tending to the animals and negative public impressions are factored in, few researchers might consider transgenic dogs, the magazine quoted him as saying. "It's not on my horizon as a dog geneticist at all."

Acupuncture for Sparky

2009-04-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Sparky had his first acupuncture appointment today. His Ch'i runs a little hot. His yin is good, but he could spice up his yang. He didn't really seem to mind the needles and he certainly liked all the treats. I hope all of this will help his back.

Take two asprin and call the accupunturist

2009-04-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

Sparky went back to the vet this weekend. The vet thinks he might have a slipped disc. He was given some Deramaxx for the inflammation and arthritis. He is also going to start accupuncture next week. At least the nice weather perked him up and we enjoyed some long walks in the neighborhood.

Sparky says congrats to Bo

2009-04-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

The First Puppy Makes a Big Splash, Bo, the Portuguese Water Dog.

The identity of the first puppy -- the one that the Washington press corps has been yelping about for months, the one President Obama has seemed to delight in dropping hints about -- leaked out yesterday. This despite White House efforts to delay the news until the big debut planned for Tuesday afternoon.

The little guy is a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog given to the Obama girls as a gift by that Portuguese water dog-lovin' senator himself, Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts. The girls named it Bo -- and let it be noted that you learned that here first. Malia and Sasha chose the name, because their cousins have a cat named Bo and because first lady Michelle Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley, a source said. (Get it? Bo . . . Diddley?)

Bo's a handsome little guy. Well suited for formal occasions at the White House, he's got tuxedo-black fur, with a white chest, white paws and a rakish white goatee.

Sparky's results are in...

2009-04-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

Sparky test results are in, but are inconclusive "it is difficult to reliably differentiate between epithelial hyperplasia and benign and malignant epithelial neoplasia in this sample". A "biopsy and histopathology is recommended", so we made an appointment with a specialist.

He seem to be doing better in some ways, but he is also whining and crying alot, especially before he lays down.

More to come...

Bad Haircut get worse...Sparky goes to the vet

2009-03-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

Sparky's bad haircut experience just got worse. One of the cuts he got looks infected and is still bleedy, so I took Sparky to the vet. Sparky is not happy with me.

Sparky had two wounds cleaned and examined. Unfortunately, the groomer cut a skin growth on his tummy. It's a large cut and while the vet was examining the wound, she became concerned about the condition of the skin growth. She took some cell tissue samples, and we are waiting for results. Meanwhile Sparky is on anti-biotics and wrapped up like a little mummy.

Bad Haircut Day

2009-03-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

Sparky got a bad haircut today (okay, that's not him in the picture, that would have been better). Not only was the haircut not what I asked for (I requested a slight trim, not a summer buzz). It's still 40 degrees out, why would they cut it this short?!? But the worse thing is that they cut him in two different places, like, bleeding, ouchy, nasty cuts! I was really upset, and Sparky was even more upset (naturally).

He got his haircut at Kiki's Pet Groomers in Brooklyn. We have been there before, and in the past his haircuts have been fine, but this time it was a different groomer, and after this, I would NEVER go back again. Poor guy, now I got to go out and buy him a sweater.

Sparky is big in Scotland!

2009-03-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

This is from the The Scotsman Newspaper. (Sparky has never been to Scotland, but I friend emailed this to us...Sparky is truly an international inspiration!)

Randsom Top Tens: Inspirational Cats and Dogs

March 14, 2009

1 JOE and Josephine French poodles that belonged to shlock novelist Jacqueline Susann, the woman who gave the world Valley of the Dolls. One dog inspired the short story Along Came Joe, while the bitch provided Susann with the idea for Every Night Josephine!, which went on to be a bestseller.

2 Bimbo, Fritzi, Nuggi and Mys Marina Alberghini was so inspired by Swiss artist Paul Klee's love of the above-mentioned cats that she wrote a book, Il Gatto Cosmico di Paul Klee, in 1993, in which these kitties featured.

3 Bettina, Chundo, Fay Wray et al The world's most famous weimaraners have been endlessly immortalised by their owner, photographer William Wegman.

4 Taki Raymond Chandler used to call this black, female Persian cat (above) his secretary, and he always read her the first drafts of his crime novels.

5 Catarina Another black, feline muse, she belonged to Edgar Allen Poe, who took her everywhere and allowed her to perch on his shoulder as he wrote – notably, The Black Cat, which was all about her.

6 Foss Beloved of nonsense poet Edward Lear, this pet not only featured in many a drawing collected in The Heraldic Blazon of Foss the Cat, it inspired him to pen The Owl & the Pussycat. Lear only outlived Foss by two short months.

7 Tulip Skittish and untameable, this Alsatian was the light of novelist JR Ackerley's life – his devotion was almost pathological – and inspired him to pen the memoir My Dog Tulip.

8 Boatswain Lord Byron was so overcome with grief when his dog perished that he wrote Epitaph to a Dog: "Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed beauty without vanity, strength without ferocity, and all the virtues of man without his vices."

9 Flush Elizabeth Barrett's cocker spaniel and, allegedly, the bane of husband Robert Browning's existence, provided Virginia Woolf with all the inspiration she needed to commit the dog's biography to print.

10 Sparky Multi-media artist Nelson Santos lives and makes art with this adorable black and white mutt (above). Via The Sparky Project (www.sparkyandnelson.com), launched in 2004, more than 100 artists have created portraits of or tributes to this photogenic dog.

Sparky says, please click below to help feed a hungry cat or dog...

2009-03-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Just one click helps to feed hunger animals through The Animal Rescue Site.

www.theanimalrescuesite.com

Each click on the "Click Here to Give - it's FREE" button at The Animal Rescue Site provides food and care for a rescued animal living in a shelter or sanctuary. Funding for food and care is paid by site sponsors and distributed to animals in need at the Fund for Animals' renowned animal sanctuaries (including Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Texas and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in California), pet shelters supported by the Petfinder Foundation , North Shore Animal League , and other worthy animal care facilities supported by the GreaterGood.org foundation.

100% of sponsor advertising fees goes to our charitable partners.

You can also copy and paste the above link in an email and ask ten friends to ask ten others today!

Sparky says he likes Ankle Soup...

2009-03-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

Pink dolphin appears in US lake

2009-03-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

From the the Telegraph.co.uk
March 9, 2009

The world's only pink Bottlenose dolphin which was discovered in an inland lake in Louisiana, USA, has become such an attraction that conservationists have warned tourists to leave it alone.

Charter boat captain Erik Rue, 42, photographed the animal, which is actually an albino, when he began studying it after the mammal first surfaced in Lake Calcasieu, an inland saltwater estuary, north of the Gulf of Mexico in southwestern USA.

Capt Rue originally saw the dolphin, which also has reddish eyes, swimming with a pod of four other dolphins, with one appearing to be its mother which never left its side.

He said: "I just happened to see a little pod of dolphins, and I noticed one that was a little lighter.

"It was absolutely stunningly pink.

"I had never seen anything like it. It's the same color throughout the whole body and it looks like it just came out of a paint booth.

(read more here)

NOTE: Sparky loves pink dolphins too!

Sparky is waiting for Spring...

2009-03-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

Sparky is so over all this snow. He usually quite enjoys a romp in the white stuff, but today the snow was up to his waist and his ol' legs aren't what they use to be, so after kissing the snow with is face a few times, he was ready to go home...

Sparky gives face...

2009-02-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, Sparky finally broke down and opened a facebook page. After his bad experience with MySpace (read details here) he wrote off all those networking sites, but he thought maybe he should give it one more chance (since his fans demand it). He is also sharing the page with Nelson. Sparky thought it would be best to start the page before Nelson turned 40 (any older and he'd look desperate). You can find them on facebook at Sparky n' Nelson Santos.

Let's be friends!

Sparky's Dizzy Spells

2009-02-23T08:33:00.000-08:00

Sparky is having another case of the dizzy spells.

The veterinarian calls it Canine Vestibular Syndrome, which occurs frequently in older dogs. This is the third time in about two years this has happened to Sparky. It's very scary looking. He suddenly loses his balance, and falls down alot. He also tilts his head sideways, and is having a hard time keeping food in. The first time this happened, I thought he was having a stroke, so I rushed him to the vet and that's when they told me it was CVS. She said it's sorta like Sparky is on the teacup ride at Disneyland... They ran the usual test, which were all normal. I was told it normally goes away by itself after a couple of days. It did and I'm hoping Sparky will have another speedy recovery.

Meanwhile I'm keeping a close eye on him, and keeping him off any amusement park rides...

Sparky's friend Mirabelle

2009-02-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

An Artist and His Nude Model

2009-02-18T16:04:00.000-08:00

Be My Valentine

2009-02-14T07:55:00.000-08:00

Sparky says congratulation Stumps

2009-02-11T08:14:00.000-08:00

From one old dog to another, Sparky wants to congratulate Stumps for being the oldest Westminster Dog Show Winner! Not only is Stumps 10 years old, he also survived a severe illness years ago that nearly killed him. But as they say, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger...

The only complaint is, that the Westminster show is still canine racist. If there was a Mutt category, Sparky would still steal the show...even at 17 years old!

Hello 2009!

2009-01-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays

2008-12-25T07:46:00.000-08:00

Day With(out) Art

2008-12-01T08:39:00.000-08:00

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!

Sparky is Proud to be an American Again!

2008-11-05T04:51:00.000-08:00

VOTE!

2008-11-04T05:02:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T04:36:00.000-07:00

Sparky in da Hood - Road to Recovery

2008-10-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Sparky's Nip and Tuck

2008-10-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Pitbulls for Obama by Amy Jean Porter

2008-09-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

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

Dogs for Obama

2008-09-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

Sparky for Obama

2008-09-24T10:05:00.001-07:00

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.

Sparky say: Meet Carlos in Ankle Soup

2008-09-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

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

Sparky's Summer Vacation

2008-08-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

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!

The Summer of Sparky comes to an End

2008-07-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

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.

Just Say It & Dog Art

2008-07-09T16:55:00.000-07:00

Testimonial - Albert Crudo

2008-07-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

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

Testimonial - Steed Taylor

2008-07-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

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

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

(I love hotdogs, but I hate fireworks)

Sparky Extended!

2008-07-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

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

Testimonial - Joe Monroe

2008-06-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

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

Hurry before Sparky is outta here...

2008-06-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

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

Testimonial - Jan Harrison

2008-06-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

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

Testimonial - Cat Celebrezze

2008-06-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

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

Sparky at Monya Rowe Gallery

2008-06-12T20:49:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

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

WOOF! An Interview with Sparky by Amy Sadao

2008-06-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

(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.

Testimonial - Carol Radsprecher

2008-05-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

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

Testimonial - Sam Tan

2008-05-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

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

Testimonial - Micheal Harwood

2008-05-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

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

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

2008-05-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

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!

Testimonial - Emily Severance

2008-04-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

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.

Testimonial - Gina Lovoi

2008-04-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

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

The Sparky Show

2008-04-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

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

Testimonial - Joel Seah

2008-04-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

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

Testimonial - Stefanie Nagorka

2008-04-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

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

The Sparky Show hits Chelsea! (move over bitches)

2008-03-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

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

William Wegman - Early Works

2008-03-01T18:56:00.000-08:00

Sparky's Favorite Video

2008-02-19T18:08:00.000-08:00

Birds
Produced by Pleix/Blink
Music: Poney Part 1 by Vitalic

MySpace is NOT Spark'y friend

2008-02-17T17:47:00.000-08:00

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...

Welcome to Sparky's Blog

2008-02-16T19:29:00.000-08:00

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