Bad Betty Designs

"Foo Dog-Male" is the first of a two part series. The pair took almost 2 years to complete. The overall height of this sculpture is nearly 5 feet tall and is accompanied by his female counterpart. Like most of the animal series pieces, the idea is to not replicate the animal symbol, but merely show the "essence" of it by using objects from the artists past.

The "Foo Dog" has ancient ancestry dating back to the Ming Dynasty and was used as a symbol of Protection for the wealthy. The particular design this piece is fashioning from, is similar to the ones guarding the "Forbidden City" in Beijing. Since the dawn of Civilization, different cultures have revered animals as not only protection symbols, but also as spirits of  nature. It is said that a pair of Foo Dogs are displayed at the entrance of homes in order to protect those living in the house. The males protect the home from intruders. The symbol of this is represented with a ball or some say a world tucked under his right paw. The female is there to protect the homes inhabitants, especially her cub which she holds under her left paw.

Constructed out of metal objects which were given to the artist by her Father and Mother, the male/female pair pay homage to her parents and their never ending quest to protect her. Some of the items included on the piece are a satellite dish, muffin tins, bed springs, door knobs, AK-47 shell casings, and a variety of other items. 

There are many more items on "Foo-Dog" and each one has its own story to tell. A collection of memories from the past united together, they take on the form of a protective, fearless, courageous animal. Part canine, loyal and trustworthy, and part dragon, fearless against anyone who threatens his family. These are wonderful lessons parents teach us throughout life.