Dana Parisi's Bulldogs Unleashed Q+A

The summer of 2011 may be remembered for many reasons, but one will be , the public art display of 25 larger-than-life bulldogs that has captured the interest and imagination of many local residents. Here is an interview with Dana Parisi, one of the artists whose creativity has made the exhibit a success since the 30-inch-high by 50-inch-long frames went on display in June.

Her bulldogs, Eye of the Bulldog and Fermi Lap-Dog, are among the 14 decorated bulldogs that will be auctioned off Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Fox Valley Country Club, 2500 N. River Rd. (Route 25), North Aurora.

Batavia Patch: What are the names of your bulldog and where were their summer homes?

Dana Parisi: Eye of the Bulldog sat at the Gammon Corner and Fermi Lap-Dog at the Popcorn Stand.

Batavia Patch: Who were your sponsors?

Parisi: Eye of the Bulldog was sponsored by Batavia Education Association and Fermi Lap-dog by the Hansen-Furnas Foundation.

Batavia Patch: What were your inspirations for your designs?

Parisi: Eye of the Bulldog is named after the annual held along the . The eye logo of the festival is also is featured on my dog. I think that Bulldogs Unleashed is a great project, and I wanted my dog to feature some of the other artwork that is already present in Batavia. As for Fermi Lap-Dog, I was inspired by and science in general.  I have always had a fascination with space exploration and science. I wanted to show my appreciation for the work that is being done at Fermilab to learn more about our universe and its components. It is awesome and mind- boggling to think about!

Batavia Patch: How long did it take you to complete the project and what medium did you use?

Parisi: I worked on both of them most days for over a month.  The dogs got a lot of love and attention! I used acrylic paint.

Batavia Patch: How long you have been an artist?

Parisi: I have had a passion for art since I was little. My mom always had art projects for my sisters and me when we were young. I was also lucky to grow up with a fantastic school art program.

Batavia Patch: Why did you become an artist?

Parisi: I guess I became an artist because of my years of drawing and art classes. I love creating, whether I am inspired by a dream or just drawing a chair.  It is really satisfying to create something unique.

Batavia Patch: What is the inspiration for your art?

Parisi: My art teacher, Martina Nehrling, has been the most influential of all of my inspiring art teachers. She taught me in college and is an active artist in the Chicago area herself. My favorite artist is Salvador Dali. I love the detail in his work and his optical illusions.

Batavia Patch: Which media do you usually use?

Parisi: Oil and acrylic paint and pencil.

Batavia Patch: What is the favorite subject for your work?

Parisi: People are great because it is awesome to see how different each face is. I like to draw detailed subjects.

Batavia Patch: Where can the public see your work?

Parisi: I am in the Flat Iron First Friday art shows at 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago. Online, go to danaparisi.com and The Etsy Web site at etsy.com/people/danaparisi

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