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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsLifelike Canines Lounge in Emily O'Leary Uncanny Hooked Rugs
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January 13, 2025
Most dogs spend at least half of their day asleep—some getting z’s for upwards of 18 hours. Whether curled up on the floor or enjoying a long-legged stretch, the subjects of Emily O’Leary’s rugs evoke our beloved pets.
Based on photographs of actual dogs, she focuses mostly on animals the artist doesn’t know. “I like to hook dogs that are pretty ‘mutty’ looking, that don’t look like yard-bound Golden Retrievers or Doodles,” she tells Colossal. “I’m attracted to the shared history of humans and dogs—how the bulk of their domestication may have happened somewhat inadvertently.
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“Injured Elbow Dog” (2020), hand-hooked wool yarn on linen
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“Brown and Black Dog” (2021), hand-hooked wool yarn on linen
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The pieces’ weight and realistic details engender an intimate connection as they come to life, so to speak. “I really feel like I’ve built a relationship with the object,” she says, adding: “Sometimes the dogs I hook have wounds or scars. The dog rug I’m working on right now is missing a little chunk of her ear. I want to depict them as they are, not stuffed animal versions.”
Find more on O’Leary’s website and Instagram.
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2025/01/emily-oleary-dog-rugs/
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Lifelike Canines Lounge in Emily O'Leary Uncanny Hooked Rugs (Original Post)
Donkees
Jan 26
OP
sinkingfeeling
(54,077 posts)1. Wow. Impressive.
magicarpet
(17,616 posts)2. My goodness,...
... making strings and threads come to life. Beautiful work.
birdographer
(2,714 posts)3. These are amazing
I don’t suppose there is any chance of obtaining one of these? I went to her website and it does not appear that she offers any of them. but really, how many does she need? 😄 SO cool.
nuxvomica
(13,141 posts)4. These are amazing!
I'd love to own one but I couldn't bear the thought of actually stepping on one.
SARose
(1,140 posts)5. That is incredible
Wow
2naSalit
(95,367 posts)6. What a unique idea!
And they do look pretty real.
Fla Dem
(26,272 posts)7. Those are fantastic, and certainly a wonderful remembrance of a pet.
debm55
(42,641 posts)8. those are very beautiful. Thank you for posting, Donkees.
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