Debby Carman ( above ) paints colorful , whimsical pieces featuring dogs and cats .

TOP MIDDLE AND RIGHT TWO PHOTOS : ASHLEY RYAN

“ I like to say it ’ s … art with heart , because we all smile in the same language ,” says gallery owner and artist Debby Carman . “ What I create , I think people respond to . They walk in the gallery and they have an emotional experience .”

Decades ago , Carman owned a chain of flower shops in Newport Beach , but she decided she wanted to do something where she could be more expressive . Entirely selftaught , she started drawing cartoons of cats with feel-good affirmations . Later , she started specializing in dog and cat art , now creating everything from large-scale paintings and ceramic pet bowls to pillows , tote bags and books as part of Faux Paw Productions .

Carman has had a gallery in town for 30 years now , though the location has changed a few times . She also has a studio in Laguna Canyon where she makes and manufactures her pieces . She uses white porcelain for her ceramic bowls , which she shapes herself

on a pottery wheel , then fires , paints and glazes with a lead-free substance to ensure it is safe for pets to eat out of .

Because her work is mostly custom , she has her clients send in photos of their pets — whether for a bowl , treat jar or painting — and then she paints it in her own signature style . “ I ’ m a whimsical fabulist , so it ’ s my interpretation of a [ pet ] … from the inside out ,” Carman explains . With vibrant colors and whimsical design , each and every piece is simultaneously cheerful and inspirational . “ I look at them myself and I ’ m just kind of dazzled by them ,” she adds .

These personalized pieces can really be crafted on any material . Carman has even painted on things like surfboards and crafted small sculptures of peoples ’ pets .

Meanwhile , she also comes up with designs that appear on collars , leashes , tote bags and more as well as a line of stuffed dog toys based on the characters she created for her children ’ s books .

While she says she doesn ’ t have the same skill set as someone trained in the fine arts , she doesn ’ t let that limit her , teaching herself new techniques and always expanding her creative spirit . But she says it ’ s easy with such a fun subject matter . “ I love the companionship and life lessons that dogs , particularly , teach us : compassion , responsibility , loyalty , devotion and care .” g

FAUX PAW ARTIQUE 611 S . COAST HIGHWAY 949-233-2082 ; FAUXPAWPRODUCTIONS . COM

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 33