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Description
With family photos, video and film stills, and studio photos never before published, Fay captures the collaborative spirit and amazing artistic outpouring of Wegman and his extraordinary companion. Their relationship spanned ten years during which time Fay became as well known to the art world as her canine predecessor, Man Ray. Motherhood brought Fay new concerns and Wegman a wealth of new characters. In 1989 she was joined in the studio by three of her puppies. What followed was a flowering of dramatic roles for Fay and her offspring in a wide range of books and videos for children.To a dog owner, each canine's personality is as uniquely defined as a human's. William Wegman knows this as well as or better than anyone. An artist best known for his photos of Weimaraner dogs, Wegman's work in the early '80s centered on his dog Man Ray. As Fay begins, Man Ray has died, and Wegman is resistant to the idea of replacing the irreplaceable Man Ray, named the Village Voice's "Man of the Year" in 1982.
When a fan of the artist meets him a few years later and invites him to choose a puppy from a litter of prize Weimaraners, Wegman is introduced to 6-month-old Fay, who immediately bewitches him with "the eyes of a jungle cat." Thus begins the story of Wegman's connection with the charming, shy, elegant Fay. Initially reluctant to feature her in his work, Wegman is content just to have a pet. But as he watches Fay's character develop into something quite different from Man Ray's, he finally decides to capture her personality in a photo shoot... then another... and another... until the two have developed a unique relationship on camera as well as off.
The book contains many striking photographs of Fay in anthropomorphic poses, as well as in several dresses and wigs--the result is sometimes humorous, sometimes seductive, but always hauntingly human and animal at the same time. Later photos feature Fay's pups Batty, Crooky, and Chundo as well. Pictures from a London Times photo spread feature the velvety dogs draped in diamond jewelry; photos from a Cinderella video incorporate the family into the cast, including Fay as the wicked stepmother and the fairy godmother; and stills from a Hardy Boys-type movie star (who else?) the Weimaraners.
Wegman and Fay's relationship is obviously an involved one--not just between a man and his dog, but an artist and his subject. And it is one that is lovingly captured in Fay's photos and story: here is a dog with a depth of personality equal to a human's, and a dignity and vulnerability expertly caught on film by one of our most original artists.--Kris Law
Customer Reviews
Very touching book.This is a beautifully written book. I read it a few years ago and plan to read it again. It is passionately written and both humorous and beautiful. I would suggest it to any dog people and fans of Wegman's work.
For anyone that loves their dog
The pictures are fantastic, but it is the story of Fay and her children that are really memorable. A touching account that will make you laugh and cry.
Good book
I love Wegman's childrens books and videos more, because they are SO GODDAMN FUNNY! But I was happy to see this book as well. Someone should make a movie of this. His narration in his movie THE HARDLY BOYS is really hysterical. the coolest part of Wegman is his humor.
BEAUTIFUL and TOUCHING
Being a weim owner I was given this book for christmas. I was aware of Mr Wegman's work both photo and video, as well as his contributions to Sesame Street(not a kid goes by after seeing my dog without saying, "look mommie,a dress-up dog". This book not only illustrate Wegman's artistry with a camera, but the close bonds only a dog owner would know. If you own a dog, not just a weim, this is a must read. If your a tender soul, there are passages that will mist your eyes.
A beautiful tribute to Fay by a very gentle photographer
William Wegman's latest book is among his most beautiful. Every page illustrates what a magnificent breed of dog this is and, more importantly, just how loved this dog was by his human companion. There are some early pictures of Fay, some of Fay in pastoral settings, and some with her pups. In all of them, she remains uniquely...Fay. Some of the pictures are quite tender and poignant; and some will evoke laughter. Mr. Wegman makes us see ourselves through a different "lens" and also helps us to take ourselves less seriously. As a fortunate owner of a Weimaraner, I am very grateful to the artist William Wegman who magically manages to make us smile and at the same time allows us to see the inherent beauty and intelligence of these dogs. Sometimes they are even smarter than their owners! I will treasure this book as I do my own complex and beautiful dog. Thank you Mr. Wegman.
Akron Leader PublicationsDog-gone unusual exhibit at AAMBy Roger Durbin DOWNTOWN AKRON — It'sa dog's life, or so the current exhibition at the Akron Art Museum, titled William Wegman: Fay, would have us believe. Wegman turned his fondness for and his interaction with his Weimaraner dogs into art. Cleveland Summer Fun Guide: art
ARTINFOWegman Does Telluride PostersNEW YORK—Photographer William Wegman, best known for his compositions involving dogs, primarily his own Weimaraners in various costumes and poses, has been selected as the official poster artist for this year's Telluride Film Festival, Artnet reports.