An Invitation Held

About this piece

A close portrait brings a small dog's wide eyes, tan markings, and white chest into focus against the shaded forms of an office chair. A bright red toy between its paws anchors the foreground, turning an ordinary indoor scene into an intimate encounter.

The story

I found the picture at floor level, where the furniture became a backdrop and a red ball became the center of the room. With the toy held between its paws, the dog looked toward me, its face framed by the chair behind it. I wanted to keep that small distance between us visible: close enough to notice the whiskers, yet still on the receiving end of an invitation to play.