Love of Hachiko Painting at Seattle Japanese Cultural Festival

If you know me and my art, I have a great love and affection for dogs. Bringing one into your life can change it for the better. When I think back to 15 years ago when we picked up our golden retriever puppy, Sadie, I remember how I almost changed my mind. We drove over an hour in the dark and rain and I couldn’t help but to doubt what we were doing. Bringing a dog into your life is a huge responsibility. I took one look in the backseat where my 10-year old son was sitting and remembered how he had been asking for a dog for years, I knew it was time to get one. Looking back, I am so grateful that we brought her home. She was the last puppy, and once she was placed in my arms, I melted. Because as a result of that decision, her presence gave me inspiration to paint - not only her image - but that of so many beloved dogs.

First photo! Bringing our Sadie home. She sure added some sunshine to our lives that day.

But I digress! My point here is that my love of having a dog in my life has caused me to research other important dogs in history. I don’t remember how I came across Hachiko’s story, but I do know that it had an impact on me.

If you don’t already know, Hachiko was an Akita dog that lived in Japan from 1923-1935. He accompanied his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, to Shibuya Station each morning. After his owner’s sudden death in 1925, Hachiko continued to return to the station every day for nearly ten years, waiting for him. His devotion made him a lasting symbol of loyalty in Japan.

Learning about Hachiko has caused me to take a deep dive into the details of his life. I’ve ordered books and researched historical photos trying to find the best ones to create his image in a painting. There is a beautiful movie called, “Hachiko - A Dog’s Tale” made in 2009 with Richard Gere and be forewarned if you watch, it is a tender, terribly sad but beautiful tear-jerker. I required several mounds of tissue just to get through it.

Hachi ( the “-ko” was added later to honor him) was believed to possibly be the eighth puppy in the litter, and Hachi means the number eight in Japanese. But one more beautiful detail I learned is that Professor Ueno reportedly saw the number eight (八) in the shape of Hachi’s stance, representing a connection between heaven and earth.

In this latest piece, “Love of Hachiko”, I believed it important to add some descriptive words to the painting and the dog’s name. This is the first time I’ve done this in a painting. Hopefully, people that don’t know his amazing story will want to learn more. I also added the Japanese word for “love” or more specifically “love in my heart” to his tag.

“Love of Hachiko” can be viewed and purchased at the Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival at Seattle Center that will take place at Seattle Center from April 10-12, 2026. https://seattlecherryblossomfestival.org/attractions/art-exhibit/

This is the second painting of Hachiko I’ve created. The first one, “Loyalty of Hachiko” was featured at the 2025 Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival. You may contact me at jodiesarahartist@gmail.com to purchase any of these paintings. Or if you have your own loyal, loving and devoted dog, I would be happy to create something special to honor your bond.

“Love of Hachiko” 16” X 20” Acrylic on Panel

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Blog/Events

"Yum-Yum" chosen for National Pet Art Exhibition

Happy to announce this painting was chosen for this National Pet Art group exhibition. This is such a joyful painting. I loved the idea of taking a dog that can often be misunderstood and placing a giant smile on its face.

I have so much fun with these and hope they bring joy to you, too.

It can be purchased here https://www.gallerium.art/p/pet-art-2026.html?name=jodie-masiwchuk or contact me directly at jodiesarahartist@gmail.com for print options and sizing.

“Yum-Yum” 16 X 20 Acrylic painting on panel by Jodie Sarah Masiwchuk

2026 The Year of the Horse!

I was so excited to learn that in Chinese astrology, the upcoming 2026 Lunar New Year is the Year of the Horse. Specifically, the FIRE horse, which apparently makes this year extra intense. Think freedom and self-expression, fast change and bold decisions, taking risks and breaking out of ruts.

Whether or not you ascribe to the forecasting of astrology, my view is…why not embrace all of the symbolism of a horse this year.

When I think of a horse - I think of the beauty, power and strength it has. And specifically in Chinese culture, the horse represents: confidence, charisma, hard work, adventure, and a strong desire to follow one’s own path.

It has inspired me to finally release a limited number of fine art prints from my original 24” X 36” painting, “Breakthrough.”

The prints are 12” X 18” with an image size of 11” X 17” with a .5” white border on all sides. I’m really happy with the way these turned out. The rich black even shows the brushstrokes in the original painting. Printed at a professional print shop located in California on Archival Matte Fine Art Paper and offered at $90.00 plus shipping.

Let me know if there is a word or inspirational message you have picked for your year and I can write it on the back for you. Let’s bring in that beautiful, courageous horse energy!

Text me at 425.591.3664 or email at jodiesarahartist@gmail.com to order.

I hope that 2026 is a breakthrough year for you! Happy New Year!

12X18 Fine Art Print, “Breakthrough”

Latest Painting "Riggins"

Meet Riggins. A very sweet old man. 12 x 12 acrylic on panel.

Loyalty of Hachiko Painting at Cherry Blossom Festival

I may have watched the movie 2009 movie, “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” with Richard Gere a few times while painting this.

“Loyalty of Hachiko” Acrylic on Canvas, 24 X 36

Hachikō was a loyal Akita dog in Japan who became famous for waiting at Shibuya Station every day for his owner, even after his owner passed away in 1925, symbolizing unwavering loyalty.

• Hachikō would accompany Professor Ueno to Shibuya Station every day and continue to wait there for his return.

• The professor’s gardener and local people at the Shibuya station cared for the dog.

• Hachikō continued to wait at the station for over nine years until he passed in 1935 where he was found on a street near Shibuya Station.

Even just reading those facts about this amazingly loyal dog tugs at my heartstrings.

I used a combination of grays that reflect the original photos that were only in black in white. However, I painted him in color to give him life again.

One of the original photos I used as a reference for the Hachi painting.

Using flower leis that I purchased at a local flower shop, I used my own dogs as a model to see how the flowers should be placed around Hachi’s neck. I did have a bit of fun with this part of research.

Ranger models a lei I purchased from a local flower shop. I requested to have it sized to fit a dog - an unusual request but they honored it.

Sadie was a bit less enthused with the process.

Since a flower lei can be a gesture of respect or admiration for someone, I thought it was appropriate to adorn one on Hachi in this piece.

This is also one of my largest paintings at 2 feet in width by 3 feet high. The magnitude and impact of this story of this dog required a larger canvas.

Hachi is an incredible example of one dog’s loyalty. Isn’t that why we love and adore them so much?

“Loyalty of Hachiko” is available for sale at the Cherry Blossom Festival in the Seattle Center from April 11 - April 13. You may also reach out to me personally to purchase at jodiesarahartist@gmail.com.

You can see more of the story about this painting from my interview on Seattle Refined which can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhh1-KtVXic

The 50th Annual Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival will be held Friday April 11, 2025 - Sunday April 13, 2025. More information can be found at cherryblossomfest.org.

Meet The Adorable Riley

Meet my latest commission: The happy and handsome Riley.

Latest commission - Zoey

Meet Zoey. She was a beloved family member that has passed on to puppy heaven. Her mom wanted me to include her very well-loved squirrel and smiling pizza toys. I didn't get to meet Zoey, but I did get to hold her precious toys after I delivered the painting, they were so tiny! I do love what I do.

Stickers Now Available

Happy to now offer some of my more popular artworks as a sticker.

I use a high-quality outside vendor to produce these. They are glossy, waterproof and look great on a laptop, water bottle, notebook and more.

There are over 20 unique designs available. Please visit my Etsy Shop to purchase: hop/JodieSarahArtist?ref=dashboard-header

Be Mine Sticker. Over 20 unique designs available. See them all in my Etsy Shop: JodieSarahArtist

POSTER WINNER FOR OKTOBERFEST

Posters are in and they look so good! Happy to announce that my painting, “Best Friend Brew” was chosen as the winner for the Woodinville Arts Alliance First Annual Oktoberfest. I was inspired by the Woodinville Basset Bash - it’s a delightful parade of Basset Hounds! - as well as the bronze sculptures of Basset Hounds installed around Woodinville.

The original painting is an 11X14 Acrylic on deep-edged panel and is on it’s way up to Schack Art Center for their Fall themed show opening September 7 - 30.

The Woodinville Oktoberfest is September 16 from 2 -8 p.m. You can learn more about the event by visiting https://woodinvilleartsalliance.com/oktoberfest/

New Painting at Schack Art Center

My new painting, “Did Someone Say ‘Treat?"‘ is now on display in the Main Gallery at Schack Art Center as part of their 23rd Juried Exhibition through August 26th.

It was such a pleasure to see this adorable painting elevated in such a beautiful gallery space.

Schack Art Center is located at:

2921 Hoyt Avenue, Everett, WA 98201

Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 5, Sunday 12 - 5

You can purchase this original at Schack Art Center through August 26th.

For matted, archival prints of this painting, please visit my Etsy shop by visiting this link:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1422144277/did-someone-say-treat-great-dane-open?click_key=8980a93e95876b55c9b8fb518852f28e8dcf3554%3A1422144277&click_sum=94496414&ref=shop_home_recs_31&frs=1

Schack Art Center’s 23rd Juried Exhibition

Woodinville Arts Alliance Studio Tour

But wait? Don’t you have a studio in Kirkland? Yes! I do. However, since the Kirkland Art Studio Tour was cancelled long ago, I have been looking for other options and the Woodinville Arts Alliance Studio Tour has been a wonderful fit the past couple of years.

This year I’m being hosted at the studio of Chris Berry, Studio #8 in Woodinville.

14615 Bear Creek Lane

May 20th 10 am - 6 pm

May 21st 10 am - 4 pm

I’ll have some new work to show, this time in oils! Think Pugs and Pancakes, Rottweilers and Spa Days. Hope to see you there.

Our Sweet Sadie - Deeply Missed and Forever Loved

Eleven years ago, my husband, Jeff, myself and our son, Jeremy drove an hour in the dark and rain to see the last puppy left in a litter of Golden Doodles. Jeff had printed out a photo off the internet of a blonde, fuzzy puppy and handed it to me the night before, just for me to…you know…“think about.” We had talked about getting a dog for some time but I wasn’t quite sold on the idea yet. Well, I slept on it that night and wrote to the owners early the next morning to inquire about her. (There is power in a single, cute photo of a puppy for sure!)

The photo Jeff sent me while on jury duty with the text, “Hi Mommy!”

This pup was the last to be picked because she didn’t have the typical curly hair of a Doodle. Being a cat owner for almost 20 years, as excited I was about the idea of having a dog, I was still a bit hesitant about the greater responsibility it would bring. The persistence of our son made me reconsider and we made the commitment. This golden pup (named “Sarah”, which is also my middle name) looked more like a Golden Retriever but with a pointy Poodle nose. However, that very fact is what made me fall in love with her.

Once we arrived to see this little puppy, it wasn’t long before this adorable fluff ball that had just peed all over herself was placed in my arms. She relaxed immediately and I was smitten. Damp with puppy pee but smitten nonetheless. We took her home that night to officially become a member of our family and “Sarah” became “Sadie.”

Our sweet Sadie in the snow.

As a puppy, she was near perfect and eager to please. I potty trained her in less than five tries. She only had four accidents. Proud dog mom moment for sure. I remember how distressed I was to be called for jury duty right after we brought her home—didn’t these people know I had a new baby to care for? Fortunately, it was only for a couple of days and Jeff was able to take time off to babysit our new addition. He sent me photo updates of our new baby with captions like, “Hi Mommy!” She had quickly woven her way into his heart, too.

As the years went by and she became an integral part of our family we learned she was loyal to the very core of her being. While her comfy dog bed that gave a view to the outside was always available, she would instead choose to follow me around the house and lay as close to my feet as possible. Even if it was the hard floor, if it meant being close to me or anyone in our little family—that was where she wanted to be. She laid with Jeremy on the couch if he was on the computer, hopped into our bed at night and would always intently watch me make dinner in the kitchen—wanting to be close but also waiting for a morsel to drop on the floor.

I would often bring Sadie with me to pick up Jeremy from elementary school.

Her quirky personality continued to develop as time went by. A fine connoisseur of rugs, she loved it when I laid down a big, fresh 8’X10’ throw rug in the living room. With big, hairy dogs like ours and living in the wet and muddy Pacific Northwest—these had to be replaced on a quarterly basis. She would be the first to hop on it to roll, kick and play bow before I could lay it properly. It would often stay half unrolled for a day until she got her fill of ‘doodlefying’ it to her liking.

We always said that she reserved her love just for us, and that was true. She would bark at lots of things and we always knew when a package arrived at our front door. She had a particular displeasure for dogs, or really any animal, that would show up on our television. We could never watch a movie or even a commercial with any type of animal in it without her growling, rearing up on her hind legs to bark and letting that two dimensional dog, cat, pig, cow, horse, etc. on the screen know not to mess with her. She saved her love for just a couple animal companions as well. He best friend, Scout, was our friend and neighbors dog and she would often have playdates with him. And of course, she loved and accepted her sibling, Ranger, once we brought him home.

Best friends and siblings snoozing together. Sadie quickly adapted to having a new pup in the house to play and cuddle with.

Sadie was incredibly smart, if I turned my back for second while cooking she would gingerly and oh-so-carefully pull whatever tickled her nose and fancy off of the kitchen counter and drag it out to the yard to enjoy. Licking tidbits off of plastic cheese and bacon wrappers seemed to be her favorite. I never really disciplined her for this, as a result, whatever food treat she pulled off the counter was certainly worth the simple verbal scolding she had to endure. One holiday, I made the mistake of leaving a batch of chocolate chip cookies on the counter while we attended a get-together with friends. We discovered the completely empty platter upon our return home. After a quick trip to the vet for a simple procedure to “rid” herself of said cookies—she quickly went back to her bouncy, happy, doodle self.

Big squeezes! A boy and his dog.

Having her made us change the way we took vacations. The first thought in going to a destination was always—can we bring the dogs with us? We became experts at finding wonderful, dog-friendly vacation rentals on ocean beaches in Washington and Oregon and the San Juan Islands. And as recent empty nesters with Jeremy away at college the past couple of years, we always wanted to bring the dogs—often referred to as “the kids.” The Golden Retriever in her loved the water and enjoyed swimming in the pool at the Utah house. She would playfully bite water that came out of the hose as I tried to water plants in Summer and would happily hop in the tub when it was time for a doggie bath.

Sadie doing what she did best in Lake Washington.

And then there was her “egg.” This crazy, plastic toy shaped like a giant, yellow egg. It rolled oddly because of its shape and she would delightfully growl, throw and chase it around the yard. Ranger would join in their own version of silly play as he would run circles around her with a pillow from our couch in his mouth. I tried to replace it after it cracked in the middle and became caked with mud—but that didn’t matter—the new one would not do and she continued to delightfully have play sessions with the old egg. It broke my heart to have to finally take it away from her after years of enjoyment when she tore her a ligament in her leg and had to have surgery on it.

Little dog bodies eventually grow old and wear out.

I can’t stand that fact.

These are just a few of the things that we loved and terribly miss about her. She was such a joyful, happy, spirited dog. She could sense when Jeff was coming home from work and stare at the front door intently near dinner time. Once he did come home, she was full of wiggles and wags and to welcome him, as she did with all of us.

So many treasured memories but what I miss most are the daily interactions - and I think that’s why their loss is so impactful when they pass. Pets enrich our lives so much, they are such an incredibly loving gift.

I think it’s really no wonder that people often describe losing a pet with words like, ‘devastating’, ‘tragedy’, ‘heartbroken’ and ‘shattered.’ I know my own heart carried this incredibly, heavy, weighted feeling when she passed and the tears still come. Our animal companions are so innocent and pure with their truly unconditional love for us—people are far more complicated.

It’s been over a month since our sweet girl entered into the paradise that is doggie heaven - it’s taken me at least that long to come to terms that she will no longer be cozied up in her bed snoozing away, or will follow me out to the studio to lay by my feet or will never again chase birds down the shoreline…at least here on earth.

We brought our rescue from Texas, Ranger, as a puppy into our family when Sadie was about 3 and now that she is gone, it’s him I worry about most. Since he was a baby, she was always there. To play silly games with, cuddle and snooze with. I wonder if he wonders why she just disappeared. Regardless, we are doing our best to spoil him with extra walks, treats and attention. I’ve changed his diet to incorporate more real food and supplements into his meals. I know that at eight years old, even his time is limited but I want to do everything in my power to make sure he stays healthy for as long as possible.

There is an emotional price we pay when our pet’s life comes to an end. That love comes at a cost and the grief is raw and real. Some vow to never get another, it’s too hard and they never want to feel that way again. Others can’t stand the quiet and immediately bring another fur ball of love into their home. Neither of these are wrong and it’s too early for me to know which category I fall into, I suppose it’s somewhere in the middle. There will be room for another someday, and I know that our Angel, Sadie will be the one to help coordinate that.

Taking the dogs with us on vacation in Depoe Bay, Oregon.

As an artist that paints these wonderful, sweet creatures - your animal companions, the loss feels particularly great. I do find comfort in that she was my muse and inspiration for 11 years. I painted her image 12 times - with coffee cups and wine glasses on her head, offered up her smile in a doggie kissing booth, placed her in a friendly tug of war with her brother and put her in a Van Gogh inspired Starry Night painting just to name a few. Time will tell if she will continue to inspire me or if these works created during her lifetime will simply become more treasured as time passes.

“Kissing Booth” Acrylic 20” X 20” 2022

“Saguaro Sunset” 20X16 Acrylic

“Well-Balance” 16X20 Acrylic

“Starry Dog Night” 20X16 Acrylic

It absolutely warms my heart to know that others saw their own pets in these artworks and brought the art into their homes.

I know for certain that she is the reason I started painting.

My sweet studio assistant.

She has already been memorialized in so many ways. She was our own calendar girl on the cover of the Homeward Pet Calendar. She is front and center on the 2021 National Purebred Dog Day Poster.

2020 Homeward Pet Calendar Dogs

Home is where the dogs are, so we took them on vacation with us often. Yachats, Oregon.

I had a dream about Sadie two weeks after she passed. She was simply laying by me, awake, smiling in the sweet way that dogs do but appeared with shiny, beautiful silver fur. She was healthy and young again. I know that all of our animals will be there to greet us when it’s time for our own spirit and soul to move on.

“Rainbow Bridge II” 12X16 Acrylic. My interpretation of the meeting at the Rainbow Bridge. The pet that has passed is a young and healthy puppy again, happily heading towards us and led by a butterfly to show the way.

Yesterday, I swept the house and as I come across fewer of her beautiful golden hairs that stuck to anything and everything, including us, I realize it’s the simple, daily moments I miss most about her. Her wiggle and smile when we woke up and trotting joyfully to get her morning cookie…and cleaning up the crumbs of her brother’s cookie.

As I try to close out this blog post, I find it hard to finish. There is too much about her we loved, so many photos, videos, memories…and never enough time. Until we meet again my sweet Sadie, you are and always will be forever loved and cherished.

We see you in every flower, sunset, sunrise and star in the sky.

Sadie’s Tribute Video

It's Showtime!

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be at four shows over the next couple of months. The best part of being an artist is being able to share one’s work with others. I hope my art brings you a smile and you are able to come out and say hello.

Please join me at:

— Best of The Northwest April 23 - 24 https://nwartalliance.org/nwaa-events/best-of-the-northwest-spring-show

— The Woodinville Arts Alliance Studio Tour May 21-22 https://woodinvilleartsalliance.com/studio-tour/

— Wedgewood Art Festival July 9-10 https://www.wedgwoodfestival.com

—Bellevue Downtown Arts Market July 30-31 https://www.bellevuedowntown.com/events/downtown-arts-market

Pick up a fun original piece to brighten your space or get more information on how to have your own pet’s personality captured on canvas. Hope to see you there!

I’ll have fresh, new work available at these upcoming shows similar to this one.
“Husky Podcast” 16 X 16 Acrylic on Panel

What Is Considered A "Pandemic Painting?"

Google or hashtag the words #pandemicpainting anywhere on the web and the obvious shows up. Paintings of people in masks, rolls of toilet paper and bottles of Purell blanket the internet.

As an artist, one is always on the lookout for calls for art from organizations or galleries where their type of art may be a good fit. Lately, I’ve noticed there are calls for art from galleries requesting creative works “made in the time of Corona.” My guess is that paintings of self-portraits of the artist in a mask, a lonely figure in a window and works depicting a mountain of vaccine vials are those that made the cut.

And that’s okay because I suppose those images are what I think of, too, when I think of “pandemic.”

But it made me wonder if my own works created during this time could ever be considered or qualify as “pandemic.”

Because when I think of other artist’s works I’ve seen created during this time, I have to ask…aren’t paintings that depict the delicate wings of a ladybug or ones that portray a cozy and colorful outdoor cafe—technically considered…“pandemic paintings?”

Of course they are.

A luscious and dramatic seascape painted in oil, a lively bunch of golden retriever puppies painted in acrylic, a toddler splashing in to a puddle with shiny red boots in watercolor—these uplifting types of art bring us close to and remind us of the simple pleasures in life. The moments that we could still enjoy and cling to in a time when the world felt so unsafe.

It got me thinking what my own take is on the pandemic in my art. A beagle wearing a mask? A kitten playing with a roll of toilet paper? (I actually think the latter, even both, would be quite cute but I digress.)

When I thought about it, the following artwork of this Saint Bernard is probably the closest I will ever get to having an artistic response to a current event. But I like to think it’s more than that.

Sometimes there is simple meaning to my paintings. A dog in a chef hat is often just simply that. Created just for the joy and fun of it.

But this one, “A Barrel Full of Hope” was painted for anyone in need of rescue. From a toxic relationship, from waking up in pain or from anything that one needs to be free of…including, I suppose…a pandemic.

“A Barrel Full of Hope” 16X20 Acrylic

The Little Brown Bear Painting

Was digging for a canvas today to start work and had to pause when I came across an oil painting I did a few years ago. I don't paint in oils often and it's so different from my usual style. It was created in a workshop hosted by an artist from Santa Fe, Linda St. Clair. It was one of the most eye-opening and rewarding workshops I've ever taken.

Everyone in it was painting some sort of animal...paintings of owls, foxes and yes, dogs surrounded the room. As I chatted with those around me, I felt like I had found my tribe! People that still took wonder in all of these amazing and beautiful creatures that live among us.

I took progress photos of every step that Linda took in creating her demo for us of a brown bear. She sat close to me on the second day of painting and every 10 minutes or so, I would bother her with a "Linda? What about this?" Or "Excuse me, Linda? What do you think about adding this here?" She was gracious and her answers were always spot on.

With her permission, Linda allowed me to take progress photos of her demo painting.

I walked away from that weekend with new inspiration knowing I would sign up for it next year. So at that time, I emailed the gallery and asked when it was going to happen, as I kept checking the website and there was no sign of it. I was so sad to learn that Linda, this artist that I was so excited to learn from and spend time with again, was in the hospital and it was serious.

That workshop never happened. Linda had unfortunately passed away.

In that original workshop, Linda was selling that demo painting of the little brown bear to whatever student wanted to take it home. I wish I had been that student but was too slow to speak up and missed out.

What I learned from this is a couple of things. One is that many times creators have no idea the impact they can have on a single person if the person influenced and inspired doesn't speak up and say so. Sometimes it’s not until years later (and in a blog post like this) and by then it’s too late.

The other is that I've learned how important it is to buy artwork from a living artist. Because while money isn't often talked about when it comes to art--it's necessary for any business to be viable and one of the most supportive ways to show appreciation for an artist.

I may not own that little bear painting Linda created, but I'm grateful to have spent a weekend learning from her and sharing a love of all creatures--and to have this little Bassett painting as a reminder.

Linda...thank you.

Glitter and the empty nest

Glitter. It’s a powerful song performed by P!nk and the title of an unfavorable movie starring Mariah Carey. It’s also the subject for today’s post. But this is about the kind of glitter that is used with a bottle of Elmer’s glue and colored construction paper.

The other day I was in the craft store. I’m lucky that it’s only about 2 miles from my house—the perfect distance for an artist who often runs out of Golden Acrylics Titan Buff paint on a regular basis.

While in the store, I had overheard a conversation. I guess it wasn’t really a conversation…more of a command from a mom to her daughter.

“Nope. No glitter. We will never have glitter in our house. I’ve always said that and that’s the way it will always be.”

Yikes.

She was definite and serious. Her voice firm. Harsh even. Her daughter said nothing, and I never even heard her ask the question about wanting the sparkly stuff. But there was no arguing with this mom. No debating. The daughter stayed silent. Mom had made it clear.

NO GLITTER IN THE HOUSE.

It made me pause enough to take note and think to myself. “No glitter? Who would deny a little kid the simple joy of glitter?”

I’m sure that mom has her reasons. If you’ve ever opened a birthday card or invitation and bunch of glitter fell out, it will stick to everything in it’s path: your fingers when you touch it and the crevices of the dining room table. It will find it’s way into the deepest places in the carpet and refuse to be vacuumed up. And who knows? Maybe there was that time she had to hit the emergency room because her toddler had gotten glitter particles in their eye. Or maybe when she was in kindergarten, the teacher scolded her because she used glitter on her flowers instead of the pink and purple paint everyone else was using.

But somehow…I doubt it. Somehow I assume this is probably more about the permanence of glitter that will make its way into the fibers of the perfectly pristine, white, shag rug she ordered from Wayfair.

And I get it. Glitter shows up years later in the house when the art project has long been forgotten.

But part of of me wanted to stop that little girl, invite her over to my house and tell her she could buy all the glitter that the wanted. Every color! Every kind! Big, chunky glitter. Teeny, tiny glitter. The kind that will indeed find its way onto every surface of the house.

I mean, what else can a little kid use to make the horn of a unicorn they just colored glimmer? What else will make the bow on the puppy they just drew brilliantly catch the light? Or make gold tinsel shine on a Christmas tree picture? Or ornaments on that same Christmas tree…sparkle?

There’s only one thing.

Even Martha Stewart dunks artisanal pumpkins covered in glue into giant bowls of it.

I wanted to tell that mom that one day not too far off from this one, her daughter will have no interest in glitter at all. The kind she will be interested in will be more like the kind she can put on her eyes or cheeks that she will talk about on her teen beauty vlog on YouTube.

I wanted to tell her that someday she will have an empty house because her daughter moved across the country to marry the love of her life, or do mission work overseas. She will be off having her own adventures as well her own adult problems. I wanted to tell her that one day she will long for the sweet innocence of an afternoon with her daughter sitting at a dining room table filled random craft supplies. A day spent coloring safari animals or stenciling letters on to a giant board for the science fair.

Because if you’re a parent of a teen or of one who has left the nest, you know that those days are fleeting.

And yes, the time of raising young children can be a stressful one. At the time these school and art projects can make a huge mess, and can be a pain, and we can curse the mess and the time and the effort. I know. I’ve been there. Particularly when the picture they so carefully constructed in first grade has long been since forgotten or discarded by the time they have moved out of the house.

Even if the child forgets—these little projects, these moments in time—create fond memories. The giant mess included.

Fuzzy memories captured by maybe a few photos.

Everyone who went before me was right, the time sure went fast.

I guess my point is, the world needs more sparkle, more fun, more lightheartedness…more glitter. And fewer perfectly white, pristine, shag carpets.

So random mom in the craft store, please buy your daughter a little jar of glitter. Let her pick the color. Have her put it on the unicorn she drew to make it shimmer, let it fall into the cracks of your hardwood floors where you will find it years later. Make a mess.

Get the kind that will stick to everything, your heart included.

Northwest Arts Alliance Holiday Market 2020

As an artist I've had to bend and shift to the changes that 2020 has brought. That's why I'm happy to announce I was accepted into the NWAA Holiday Market/Best of the Northwest Online Show.

This previously in-person show is now online which means I can ship items anywhere and shipping in my shop is free.

My shop opened at 9 a.m. November 23rd and will run through December 3rd 2020. Kicking off today's opening with this acrylic painting of a Bernese Mountain dog waiting for a smooch under the mistletoe.

View this print and 14 others at:

https://www.bestofthenorthwestart.org/jodie-sarah...

Winner of 2021 National Purebred Dog Day Poster

I was honored to get the call last week that Mr. Alan Fausel, Director of the AKC Museum of the Dog, chose my art to be featured on the 2021 National Purebred Dog Day Poster. Here is what National Purebred Dog Day shared:

We are delighted to unveil the winner of National Purebred Dog Day's Fine Art/Poster competition 2021 winner!

"Purebred Moments” by Jodie Sarah Masiwchuk was chosen by juror, Mr. Alan Fausel, Executive Director of the AKC Museum of the Dog, in a competitive contest. Of the piece, Mr. Fausel said, “The rendering of the dogs is spare but effective. You can certainly tell the breeds, and the introduction of a bit of whimsy ads to the overall joy of the work without being cloying or cute. It illustrates the diversity of the various breeds and still respects their heritage.”

Ms. Masiwchuk has won a $2,000 cash prize and our thanks goes to the Danburg Family Foundation for co-sponsoring the event.

The poster may be purchased at NPDD's shop: https://nationalpurebreddogday.com/.../national-purebred.../

Northwest Art Alliance 2020 Holiday Market

Excited to announce that I will be one of the artists taking part in the Northwest Art Alliance 2020 Holiday Market! This year, it will be taking place online. It feels wonderful to be able to shift and bend my business to this new sort of normal. I’ll take it. I will be offering 15 different pieces of art—all doggie themed with the exception of one kitty. There will be a combination of originals, aluminum prints, signed limited edition prints and greeting cards.

The online show will run from November 23 - December 3. What’s great about this show is that I can ship art anywhere in the country, not just locally!

Below is the video I created as my artist introduction to the show. It’s what inspires me and I highlight five different pieces of art. My dog, Ranger, joins me in the video to “help” showcase the art. Please comment, like, subscribe and share - thanks for watching!

Reflections on 2020

I’ve always questioned those people who have written off entire years as “I hope things will be better next year” or say things like “This year was the worst.” Because I’ve always wondered, even if there are terrible moments, how could one disregard an entire year of their lives? Isn’t there always good to be found if one just looks for it? However, 2020 has had me flirting with those “this is the worst year ever” thoughts. But as much as I want to write off 2020 as completely forgettable and fast forward to 2021, there have been silver linings.

My health tanked in November 2019 through mid 2020—I’m so much better now and had no idea how much I took for granted. How wonderful it is to take a step inside my studio and create. Because for months I was unable to. I really missed it.

My son is taking online college classes at home, I know it’s not the first year college adventure he imagined, but I secretly love being able have him home for another year. That tearful goodbye when he moves into a college dorm can wait as far as I’m concerned.

2020 and all it brought has affected everyone I know. Everyone. To have the space to create, one has to have a sense of stability and peace in their lives—at least for me it does—this year has brought anything but.

I’ve realized there are many things I can do without, what I’ve learned I can’t do without are the simple things. Hugging my dogs, taking a walk in the rain, fresh air, human connection, delicious and healthy food, music, etc.

Who knows what else this year will bring but as we have all adjusted to our new normal—it feels so good to be back in the studio sketching, going through inventory and working on new creations.

It’s a privilege to able to share my art with you and I’m looking forward to bringing you more cheerful and uplifting images.