Excerpted from an article in Vanity Fur

By Louise Dog
Louise: First off, what shall I call you? Rosalie? Mistress? Mommy?

Rose: You may call me Rose.

 L: Thank you. Rose, do you remember your first artistic influence?

R: "Dogs Playing Poker". I'm not sure who the artist was, but my grandparents had a painting or print of it in their summer apartment in Atlantic City when I was a child.

 L: That's interesting. So, had you been enthralled with The Martyrdom of St. Sebastian by Hans Memling at an early age, you'd now be making little cabinet knobs in the shape of tortured saints.

R: More than likely.

L: Thank goodness you liked Dogs Playing Poker!

R: Yes, it's a blessing.

L: Tell me, have dogs always been a subject matter of your art?

R: Well, when I began making public art, over 20 years ago, my first commission was a 12-1/2 foot wood and aluminum siding doghouse, a house in the shape of a bull terrier. It was for Artpark in Lewiston, NY. After that, I did cows (for which I was known as the Cow Lady), sheep (the Sheep Lady), lizards, toads (mistakenly known as the Frog Lady), a couple of crocodiles, snakes, monkeys, cats, a giant turtle and a bevy of other creatures. Each time I was the put your animal here lady. Mostly, however, I was the Dog Lady. I have a feeling I was a dog in a previous life. The fact that I have an exceedingly acute sense of smell supports that notion.

L: I'm happy to hear you're one of my people.

R: Yes, well now I'm getting to be know as the Knob Lady.

L: Why not the Queen of Knobs? Kind of catchy, no? R: I hope one day I'll be worthy of the title.

L: Do you have a philosophy that directs your art?

R: My art reflects the world around me. I'm attracted to animals, so that's what I like to sculpt. Also, I think although there are many beautiful designs for everyday hardware and home furnishings, there is room for other than decorative subject matter. I like to be surrounded with things that please me. So I make things that will appeal to like-minded people who would enjoy using a knob in the shape of someone like you, Louise. That is my raison d'etre.

L: That sounds French. I'll borrow Fifi's French/English dictionary and look that one up. Well, it's been a pleasure talking with you. I hope we can do it again soon. Maybe we can take a walk or something.

R: You bet.

L: Bring a chew toy.

R: O.K. L: May I sniff you?

R: Not now.