New animation is a family affair

Kerry, Jacob, Rik, and Callum Peel with Tomau gather at a sneak preview of the upcoming animation of Riks Dog #7 which premiers on May 3rd from 7-9pm at R-Space Gallery, Castle Street, Lisburn US2113-401PM Pic by Paul Murphy

A NEW animation by local artist Rik Peel has proved to be a real family affair after wife Kerry produced the musical score for the film and their pet Labrador Tomau became the inspiration behind ‘Dog #7’, which will be screened for the first time at R-Space Gallery on May 3.

Rik and Kerry will be screening the permier of their new animation, Dog #7 at R Space Gallery next Friday evening and they are hoping local people will come along to support the local artistic endeavour.

Family pet Tamou is the inspiration behind ‘Dog #7’. Tamou was rescued by the Peel family from Lisburn Dog Pound after the death of their previous beloved pet left what Rik said was a “dog shaped hole” in their lives. Tamou has had such an impact on the family, and particularly their eldest son, who is autistic, that they just had to create a piece of work that would let people know just how valued the new member of the family is.

Rik, who is a well known local painter, decided to try his hand at animation, a medium he has been passionate about since he was a child.