Ross Jones

The story of Alice: Our tail-wagging friend.

Ten years ago, my partner Jo made a persuasive argument that our lives were missing something fundamental—a four-legged, tail-wagging friend. I, however, was sceptical. I wasn’t quite ready for the responsibilities of a pet. After some good-natured debate, we reached a compromise: a dog it was. A few weeks later, Alice the Labradoodle graced our lives, a furry bundle of joy arriving via aeroplane from Christchurch. She was a little furball, her soft coat inviting endless cuddles.

Alice’s lineage proclaimed Labradoodle, but her heart was unmistakably Lab; this translated into an insatiable appetite for almost anything that crossed her path. Tennis balls were not mere playthings; their vibrant green exteriors were no match for her determination. With focused intent, she’d chew on one spot until the rich “fur” yielded, signalling a victorious end to the game. Coloured bouncy balls suffered a similar fate, emerging as peculiar tokens in her poop the next day. Our household floors remained perpetually licked, a pre-emptive measure against potential crumbs — no need for a robot vacuum here.

Alice hasn’t always been the angel. As a puppy, she devoured part of a prop for my ‘Follow Me’ painting — the hand of Godzilla. The beast stood no chance against her formidable appetite and puppy teeth.

Alice’s favourite toy is ‘Kong’, a rubber toy that holds treats. Alice and Kong arrive at the queue when the coffee machine starts, with Alice expecting a treat. An unspoken agreement ensued: no more than three treats for her, paralleled by three cups of coffee for me, any more would cause a slip into caffeine-induced hyperdrive.

My artistic ambitions had never leaned towards animals, but Alice was an exception. Occasionally, she’d present herself in ways too inspiring to ignore. Such opportunities were a creative call to arms, and I couldn’t resist the challenge.

Amid the daily chaos Alice introduced, I found a muse. She was a constant reminder that life’s unpredictability made it beautiful. Over time, her exuberant antics took a more measured turn, and while she retained her boundless energy, the household pandemonium lessened.

Among my collection of photographs, one holds a special place: Alice, eyes fixed on me as I paint. Her unwavering gaze was simultaneously a muse and a friend, silently egging me on to capture her essence on Linen.

Six of my paintings stand as a testament to Alice’s impact on my art and life journey:

– Fetch (2013)

– Dream Job (2016)

– Obsession (2017)

– Chilling Out (2020)

– What Now? (2022)

– Temptation (2023)

– Daydreaming (2024)

Alice had transformed from a mere addition to our lives to an irreplaceable family member; a source of laughter, inspiration, and boundless love. One thing remains certain as we navigate life’s twists and turns: Alice is the irreplaceable puzzle piece that completes our home.

-Ross Jones

Ross Jones is a contemporary painter creating works that evoke a heady sense of nostalgia and elevated playfulness.

Working from his studio overlooking the Hauraki Gulf north of Auckland, Jones’ fusion of playful realism incorporates elements of the surreal. Each meticulously devised painting offers hints at various narratives as the artist invites the viewer to engage with his role as storyteller.

“I love the phrase “Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story,” so as you view my paintings, don’t let your imagination stop you from seeing the bigger picture. How far the journey takes you is entirely up to you.” – Ross Jones

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