Honoring the Artist: Yvonne Dagger

This week's cover, "Training Lessons" by Yvonne Dagger, is one we can all relate to, whether we are parents, children or even dogs. It depicts the familiar American tradition of a child's first day at school, and the contradictory feelings we all feel. Dagger's empathy, no matter what the subject matter may be, is essential to her work and worldview. It is what gives her paintings their strength and endurance.

It makes perfect sense, therefore, that Dagger's empathy extends to creating animal portraits; her interest in shelter animals, particularly, goes way beyond the painting process.

Q: On a personal, non-painting point, you are very much involved in helping shelter animals - your own three dogs are ones you rescued. What's your involvement in saving animals?

A: Martha Stewart has established a pet program that makes information about adoption and care available on the web. Martha is also showcasing my shelter pet portraits on the site. I am really happy for the opportunity.

Q: How did you get involved in painting the animals in the first place?

A: While visiting several shelters, I was literally brought to tears when I looked into the animals' eyes. I felt some of them would speak to me; they knew that was either the end or the beginning of their lives.

Q: What roles do your paintings serve?

A: I want to elevate the dogs and cats to a high fine art - and to elevate their lives. Even if they died, they would have a tribute to their lives in my paintings.

Q: How else are you paying tribute to these animals?

A: I am now doing a large painting for Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). It will be used at the organization's annual event at Yankee Stadium.

Q: What does CCI do?

A: It gives dogs to people in need. For example, a dog will be trained to respond to 45 commands, like turning the light on and off for a person in a wheelchair.

Q: I know you have a very close relationship with your beagles. What roles have they played in your work?

A: The youngest dog, Tommy, watches me paint. He also watches the sunlight and tries to drop into the light. Beagles are good companions, but they are spiritual as well. They bring me to that transcendental place.

Q: Does you painting also bring you there?

A: Yes. Time flies when I'm painting. I have to set the timer if I have an appointment. I forget that I haven't eaten.

Q: You haven't always felt this way, I bet.

A: No, it's evolved. When I started to paint, I was more concerned about making a doggie look like a doggie.

Q: As you evolved, did your paintings get better?

A: Yes, when I let go of all those inhibitions I became truer to my work. I'm headed in the right direction.

Q: Will you ever get to where you want to be, to fulfill your potential?

A: I don't think I'm there yet. I don't know if I'll ever be, but my sister said I was a hopeful person. I guess I am. There's so much more to do.

Yvonne Dagger shows her work at Fitzgerald Gallery in Westhampton, Blue Door Gallery in Riverhead and Michael Perez Gallery in Southampton. For more information, visit www.yvonnedaggerartist.com.

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