Artist – Renay Shaffer
Renay Shaffer (Canadian, b. 1973) illustrates nature and animals in a detailed representational style that reflects a deep reverence for her subjects. Born in White
DROOL: When do you feel you first found success in the world of art, and how have you grown since then?
Kyle: I’ve had little reminders that I’m on the right path since art school but pursuing a life in art isn’t like other things, it can come and go in the blink of an eye. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I count all of my small successes as wins, but the game never ends so I keep building on those until I’m comfortable in my success.
Kyle: I’ve had little reminders that I’m on the right path since art school but pursuing a life in art isn’t like other things, it can come and go in the blink of an eye. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I count all of my small successes as wins, but the game never ends so I keep building on those until I’m comfortable in my success.
DROOL: What do you find most inspirational about dogs?
Kyle: I just love dogs! I’m a firm believer that humans are great at manifesting what they want, but my lease doesn’t allow for pets. I put dogs in my art because that’s as close as I can get to having a dog right now. If I’m making a piece for me I’m putting a pit bull in the piece because I relate so much to pit bulls, they’re cuddly, active, and silly, but if you push them too far things can get out of control. I want a pit bull in my life!
Kyle: I just love dogs! I’m a firm believer that humans are great at manifesting what they want, but my lease doesn’t allow for pets. I put dogs in my art because that’s as close as I can get to having a dog right now. If I’m making a piece for me I’m putting a pit bull in the piece because I relate so much to pit bulls, they’re cuddly, active, and silly, but if you push them too far things can get out of control. I want a pit bull in my life!
DROOL: Did dogs help you discover your voice in art? If so, how?
Kyle: My voice has shaped and changed over the years but the roots of it have always been present in my work. My first notable art experiences were through graffiti and woodcut printmaking. These days I make brightly colored wood carvings. As far as concept, I like to tell stories with my work and use animals to tell human stories.
Kyle: My voice has shaped and changed over the years but the roots of it have always been present in my work. My first notable art experiences were through graffiti and woodcut printmaking. These days I make brightly colored wood carvings. As far as concept, I like to tell stories with my work and use animals to tell human stories.
DROOL: If you had to choose one dog breed to characterize who you are, what breed would it be and why?
Kyle: Oh I’m definitely a pit bull. I grew up with a really rough background and my temper can boil over so fast, but my nature is to be a loving, cuddly goofball. If I feel safe I’m super nice, will do anything for you, and always be by your side. Those are qualities I have recognized the most in pit bulls. I’ve never seen a pitbull act violently but we all know their reputation, whether deserved or not. I’m like a pitbull in that regard too, I’m not afraid to fight when I’m threatened.
Kyle: Oh I’m definitely a pit bull. I grew up with a really rough background and my temper can boil over so fast, but my nature is to be a loving, cuddly goofball. If I feel safe I’m super nice, will do anything for you, and always be by your side. Those are qualities I have recognized the most in pit bulls. I’ve never seen a pitbull act violently but we all know their reputation, whether deserved or not. I’m like a pitbull in that regard too, I’m not afraid to fight when I’m threatened.
"If I had hang out with a pretty girl or a yappy chihuahua that wants to bite me? I'll pick the girl. If I could hang out with the same girl or a team of huskies in the snow? Well let's bundle up because I'll be with the huskies."
DROOL: Do you like dogs more than people, and why or why not?
Kyle: This isn’t a black and white question at all… It really depends on a dog by dog, person by person basis. If I had hang out with a pretty girl or a yappy chihuahua that wants to bite me? I’ll pick the girl. If I could hang out with the same girl or a team of huskies in the snow? Well let’s bundle up because I’ll be with the huskies.
I guess with anything I have preferences. While I’ll never turn down showing love to a dog that wants to hang out with me, there are still dogs that I don’t really vibe with, just like there are people that I just don’t vibe with. Overall though, dogs aren’t as complicated as people, so probably dogs.
Kyle: This isn’t a black and white question at all… It really depends on a dog by dog, person by person basis. If I had hang out with a pretty girl or a yappy chihuahua that wants to bite me? I’ll pick the girl. If I could hang out with the same girl or a team of huskies in the snow? Well let’s bundle up because I’ll be with the huskies.
I guess with anything I have preferences. While I’ll never turn down showing love to a dog that wants to hang out with me, there are still dogs that I don’t really vibe with, just like there are people that I just don’t vibe with. Overall though, dogs aren’t as complicated as people, so probably dogs.
DROOL: Anything else you want to share with the dog-loving humans of Earth?
Kyle: Please give your dogs a good scratch behind the ears for me. Any time I get to pet a dog is the best part of my day!
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