Art Johnstone
Art Johnstone is a multidisciplinary creative based in Waihi (NZ). He taught design technology in the UK and NZ, and has recently retired from teaching to focus on prose, which he publishes online at https://foolonthehills.com/. Art is writing his first book, and also cuts poetry into plywood artworks which he distributes at Bay of Plenty cafes.
Art’s writing is a combination of personal reflections, life experiences, eloquent meditations on the relationships he forms with people, and of course his poems about dogs particularly put a wag in our tail!
I admire his dedication to his craft, and his understanding of creative practice; when we first meet Art was still teaching, and I was particularly busy with client work, Art told me then “Our creativeness is too easily stiffed by the day to day minutiae of work and life.” Those are words to live by! We meet again earlier this month at TYPOgraphHQ, as we sat and talked of poetry, print and books over a cup of tea (surrounded by my pack) the conversation naturally flowed to dogs...
What is Murphy’s origin story?
Murphy joined us in 2007. We arrived in NZ Jan 2007 with our Airedale terrier, Bertie, from the UK. He was about 8 when we arrived. We knew they had a life expectancy of 10-13 yrs so....we thought ahead! Murphy was born here. A true ‘All-black’ Kiwi.
Bertie died in 2010. Murphy pined! We then heard that Persie (the Wheaton terrier) was looking for a new home. His family were heading to Australia. He became a brother to Murphy....but not blood brothers! They are/were both quite independent. I don’t think he (Murphy) has noticed that Persie has gone! He’s just delighted to have us all to himself!
Does Murphy ever share your creative space with your while you are writing and making?
Murphy loves being wherever we are in the house. If I am writing, he will join me, stretch out on the carpet in a sunny spot and guard. Funny how they can do that when they are fast asleep!
There is lots of evidence that animals are associated with physiological, psychological and social benefits for humans. How do your dogs improve your wellbeing & or quality of life?
Wow: dogs and benefits! Where to start. A buddy to have around in the quiet times. Unconditional love. I have had dogs all my life. They are part of the scenery. Walking in all weathers you see so much. Watching a previous dog chase Hares (another favourite animal) just a sheer joy to see both of them in full flight. I hasten to add: he was never able to catch them! If ever I was home ill Bertie, the Airedale, was such a good nurse. He just knew. Got alongside and let you know he was around. He did the same for the kids too.
What character trait do you enjoy most about Murphy’s personality?
We decided: if we could re-name Murphy we’d call him: Napoleon. Small-man syndrome. Small dog big ideas! He is actually a medium dog but smaller than Bertie or Persie but he has a big dog personality...until he actually meets a big dog that is! The best way to describe him; think, terrier tenacity with poodle brains. He is a cross. That’s a mighty fine combination if you are a dog, but if you are a human looking after one.....watch out. He is too smart for his own good!
They live such short lives – your poem a Sheppard Valentine uses dogs life as a metric for time passed – (if it doesn't make you too sad to recall) can you share a favourite memory of Persie?
Persie! He was a very, very independent creature. If we let him loose on the beach you really picked up on his sense of complete freedom. He would fly down the beach, we’d often wonder if he’d ever stop. Terriers are very much like that, but he really was in his element. In the sea, along the dunes, just that complete freedom to roam. He is there now. It’s where we put his ashes.
To have another or not?
It is too sad to see them go.
