
Bobbin, son of Chip, grandson of Batty, great grandson of Fay, turns 14 today. Named Bobbin Ray for my heroes Bob and Ray (Bob n' Ray and for the fact that I had planned to give him to my sister Pam who liked to sew). One of only 3 in the litter, he started out living in Maine as Pam's dog, but following in Chundo's footsteps proved to be too daunting for him and for my sister.

And he really wanted to be with my dogs Candy and Chip. He would try to stow away in our car when we drove back to New York at the end of the summer. One year, to his delight, I took him back with me where he has been ever since.

Like all my weimaraners (except for the hyper athletic Candy) he has been an enthusiastic and steady performer in my videos and photos. During his early years he was overshadowed by the more endearing looking Chip who starred in about a dozen books for children and many videos for Sesame Street. It took me a while to truly appreciate Bobbin's overwhelming loyalty to me and to his steadiness on the set.



Now that he knows his home is with me, wherever I go, he enjoys Maine. He like to run, trot actually, very long distances on bike
rides on the loving roads of Maine. We often go 10 or 15 miles. I assume he likes
doing it because the choice to follow is his. Bobbin is very different in our
upstate NY weekend home, where he can graze in the fields and follow his
nose.

Recently he performed live in a Karole Armitage dance piece conceived for him. It was totally amazing and partly successful. I had to miss the last of three performance and he went a little nuts looking for me.

Bobbin always has a serious expression, and his look is darkening with age. Despite his namesakes, he has no sense of humor. His talent lies in his steadiness.
I plan on photographing him next week concentrating on his portrait. I'm thinking they may resemble the late portraits I took of Man Ray in the last months of his life.
-- WW