In keeping with our tradition of being on the cutting edge of art, culture and dogdom, Capricorn Australian Shepherds is proud to host the first-ever public exhibit of works by this year's hottest new artist, Etchimon.

Critically acclaimed for his extraordinary use of color to convey emotion, Etchimon recently sat down with us for an exclusive interview...

CAS: In a calling that is mostly dominated by two-legged people, you are somewhat of a maverick. What first inspired you to explore your artistic potential?

Etchimon: Some of my earliest memories are of helping Barbara [ed. note: Barbara is Etcher's Dog-Mom] in the studio.  I came to love the smell and taste of paint and paper early in life.  Her excitement over my initial efforts, even the smallest teeth holes in paper encouraged me to continue my exploration.  I would often help her with paper selection by pulling sheets out of the stack that I thought were most appropriate for her current work.  And, I think I made a definite contribution because even when she didn't use my paper choice immediately, she set in aside in a separate stack for use on a very special project.

CAS: Approximately how many pieces have you produced to date?

Etchimon: It's hard to tell the exact number.  I work constantly and often go back and rework pieces.  I would say I've completed about 20 pieces in all, and perhaps 5 of them I feel are my best work.

CAS: Can you describe for our readers your creative process? How do you come up and develop with your ideas?

Etchimon: Well, I'm a very free thinker.  I work in mostly abstract ideas.  I'll just be taking a walk, smelling the flowers and suddenly the colors all come together in my head.  I immediately try to rush home to get my ideas on paper.  Barbara keeps telling me to try to slow the process down a little.  Sometimes it's a real struggle for her to get me to think my ideas out completely before acting on them.

CAS: What would you consider to be your favorite medium?

CAS: Which one of your pieces is your favorite, to date?

Etchimon: There's one I did about a year ago that speaks to that wonderful feeling in the morning when you're rolling around in bed getting your tummy rubbed and the world just seems like a perfect place....I'm sure you all know the feeling....I call it "Tummy Time".

I also have one other favorite one.  It was inspired by my friend, Jake, a GR [Golden Retriever] living in a large grassy, fenced-in yard.  Being a city dog, I was amazed the first time I visited his home.  I got so excited and he was happy and we ended up running around the yard for 2 or 3 hours at top speed.  The next day I executed one of my best pieces, I call it "Dash!"

CAS: Aside from visual arts, I understand you are also a poet?

Etchimon: Well, yes, I dabble a bit in poetry.  I don't think it's very good, but Barbara keeps encouraging me.

CAS: How do you choose the subject matter for your poetry?