J. Christopher Fanelli'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 J. Christopher Fanelli of Mokena, IL, one of a series with the artists whose creativity have made the exhibit a success since the 30-inch-high by 50-inch-long frames went on display in June.

Fanelli's Staff Sergeant Batavia, Support Our Troops is one of 14 creations 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 is the name of your bulldog and where can we see it?

J. Christopher Fanelli: Staff Sergeant Batavia, Support Our Troops is about halfway across the Donovan Bridge across the Fox River in Batavia. It's on the south side of the bridge.

Batavia Patch: Who is your sponsor?

Fanelli: Vanco, Inc.

Batavia Patch: What was your inspiration for your design?

Fanelli: The effort and the sacrifice that everyone of the soldiers put into their daily jobs to keep our freedoms and our daily routines safe. It's that pride in our country is what I am acknowledging. My father, my brother and myself have all served in the Army. My brother just returned from a one-year, three-month tour in Iraq. We have all been combat medics. My father passed away while he was still serving as a doctor for the National Guard.

Batavia Patch: How long did it take to complete your bulldog and what media did you use?

Fanelli: I would say it took me about 60 hours. I used a great material I discovered called Wonderflex, what most costumes are made of, also, a lot of Bondo, Super Glue and urethane paint.

Batavia Patch: How long have you been an artist?

Fanelli: I've been an artist for as long as I can remember. I've been  drawing pictures and creating things for about 45 years.

Batavia Patch: Why did you become an artist?

Fanelli: Honestly I feel as though art chose me as I can't seem to stop being pulled from the things i should be doing to create something that really should wait until the proper time. When I get nervous, I make art. When I'm happy, I make art. Oddly enough I've made so many things, most of them I gave to their biggest admirers. I forget I've even made them until someone says, "I still have that picture or item you gave me." Then I remember, "Oh yeah, that was cool, huh?" The feeling that follows is what I live for.

Batavia Patch: What is the inspiration for your art?

Fanelli: My inspirations are out-of-this-world beings, monsters, girls, emotions and alien life possibilities, and Tiki—of course

Batavia Patch: What media do you usually use?

Fanelli: I use everything or anything that's available at the time.

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

Fanelli: Tiki art and aliens, at the present time.

Batavia Patch: Where can the public see your work?

Fanelli: Music is Art festival, held annually at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York and also at eyerazor.com