"What
is Mr. Winkle" is a series of photographs celebrating the many faces of
the insanely cute Mr. Winkle, each image a hilarious and adorable interpretation
of what this chameleonic little canine could be. . . A wind up toy? .
. . A hamster with a perm? . . . An ancient demon? The "What is Mr. Winkle?"
calendar and poster feature twelve images from the series, all shot by
award-winning photographer Lara Jo Regan, who
is also Mr. Winkle's guardian.
The
project was inspired by the incredibly funny reactions to Mr. Winkle every
time Regan took him in public. "It's an alien!" screamed the cable repair
man. "It's a cat in a dog suit," surmised an out-of-work actor. "It's
the reincarnation of the divinity!" enthused a woodworking poet. Kids
of all ages are especially mesmerized by Mr. Winkle, most believing he
is a stuffed animal come to life or an embodiment of their favorite pop
culture character - Pokeman, Ewok, Japanese cartoon character - Mr. Winkle
resembles them all.
But
Mr. Winkle IS real, which is what makes his series so unique!
There really is no dog like him. . . if that's what he truly is (See
Fun Facts). Wherever Mr. Winkle goes, crowds form around him in rapt disbelief,
often lining up to take pictures. The "What is Mr. Winkle" series is a
natural answer to the public's overwhelming and pervasive desire to to
behold this otherworldly creature who mesmerizes everyone who crosses his
path. "After a year of Winklemania," says Regan, "I knew I had to do something
to share Mr. Winkle with the world. His cuteness is almost too overwhelming
for one person to take!"
Already
an international canine sensation, Mr. Winkle hopes to parlay his pooch
power into becoming an animal ambassador of sorts, representing the
importance of animal welfare for all the earth's creatures.
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