CREATING CANINE CONNECTIONS THROUGH COLLAGE

Intricate Pet Portraits

In the quaint town of Frome, Somerset, resides a remarkable artist, Violet, whose story and unique artistic journey have touched the hearts of many. A collage artist with a passion for portraying the profound bonds between people and their pets, she brings a fresh perspective to the art world. Meet Violet Von Riot, a dedicated mother, an autism advocate, and a true connoisseur of canine connections.

Violet’s artistic journey began just four years ago, sparked by a simple piece of collage brought home by her daughter. Prior to this discovery, she had dabbled in portrait painting, however, the world of collage opened up a new dimension, allowing her to explore depth and meaning in her art.

As a lifelong dog lover, Violet’s special interest has always revolved around these loyal and loving companions. With two furry friends of her own—a Lurcher and a Frenchie—Violet’s connection to dogs runs deep. Her venture into pet portraiture took an unexpected turn. She realised that people didn’t merely want an image of their pets; they desired the essence, the love, and the unique bond they shared with their four-legged family members.

Violet’s creative process is nothing short of magical. Using bits and pieces from old magazines, she constructs intricate pet portraits, capturing the individuality of each dog. Clients often request personal touches like names, dates, maps of favourite walks, references to cherished toys and treats, and even using treat images to create fur textures. The result is not just a portrait but a piece of art that embodies the spirit of a cherished relationship.

What makes Violet’s work truly special is the limitless potential of collage. Hidden gems and personal touches are seamlessly integrated into her creations. For instance, one of her pieces featured characters from “The Fast and The Furious” discreetly woven into the dog’s coat, paying homage to the pet’s unique backstory. The possibilities are endless, and Violet’s commitment to realising her clients’ visions is unwavering.

Violet’s medium of choice involves using recycled magazines, embracing the challenge of working with the available materials. Her primary source is National Geographic, known for its thick paper and vivid colours, perfectly suited for her art. Other favourites include “Country Living” and “Gardeners World,” which provide not only beautiful backgrounds but also flower petals that transform into exquisite dog tongues.

In the process of creating her masterpieces, Violet has honed her ability to focus, much like solving a crossword puzzle, to quickly identify the right word or shade. This skill allows her to breeze through magazines without getting side-tracked by interesting headlines and articles.

Apart from her artistic pursuits, Violet’s deep love for dogs extends to fos- tering. She has provided temporary homes to 13 dogs until they found their forever families. While saying goodbye can be challenging, she finds solace in knowing the magic they bring to their new homes.

Looking ahead, Violet is excited to be part of a dog-only art exhibition in Brighton, alongside acclaimed artists like Sally Muir, Sarah Gooder, Sophie Thurlow, and Joanna Osborne. Her passion for portraying the incredible bonds between people and their pets will undoubtedly shine at this event.

Her work not only captures the nature of our beloved furry friends but also resonates with those who treasure the unique and unbreakable bonds we share with our pets. Violet Von Riot is an artist with an extraordinary talent for celebrating the love that knows no bounds.

Website: Violetvonriot.com

Facebook page: “Violet Von Riot”