Throughout history, dogs have played myriad roles—from comrades-in-arms to companions at our heels. Four&Sons want to add muse to that list. Four&Sons is both a print and online publication “where dogs and culture collide”. Chronicling the work of interesting people and their interesting dogs, Four&Sons is a guided tour through the worlds of art, photography, music, literature—even maths—as inspired by man’s best friend. We spoke to its creative director Marta Roca.
Where did your love of dogs and publishing originate from?
I can trace it directly back to my parents. Mum was an only child and always talked to us kids about the German Shepherd she grew up with like if he was a human. Oddly, when my sister and I (practically) demanded a dog of our own, mum couldn’t bring herself to allow a dog in our tiny apartment in Barcelona. She felt it would be unfair. We got a fish and a hamster instead. Not quite the same, to be honest. Dad was an avid reader and he handed his passion down to me like a precious gift. I was obsessed with books and magazines since I can remember. I became a graphic designer so I could get into editorial design. I also considered running bookstore. Fast forward 25 years and when Christina (Four&Sons co-founder), the ultimate dog-lady (I am a rookie compared to her!) and I decided to start the mag as a love project, all seem to fall into place.
Your stated ambition is to be at the cross-roads where ‘dogs and culture collide”. What’s it like being there?
It’s ever-growing! At the beginning, most people didn’t ‘get’ what we were trying to do. They looked at us puzzled, some even smirked. It was harder to imagine how we could bring contemporary photography and art, fashion, filmmaking, writing… and dogs together without being tacky or cheesy. Luckily, other indie publishers were also exploring different points of view in many other contexts, from food to sports, from plants to travel, and things clicked.
Can you tell us about some of your most unexpected collaborations/features to date?
I am totally in love with the opening feature from our first issue, by photographer Mark Ruwedel, who photographs abandoned dog houses in the Mojave Desert. Not a dog to be seen in any of the images, and still such powerful exploration on the subject. Photographing raw dog food such as chicken feet or cow ears from a sculptural point of view was interesting too. And all the people we have interviewed for our ‘Dog People’ or ‘Last Word’ section have surprised us in one way or another. When Mike Mills told us he used to sleep with his Jack Russell Zoe, we all melted.
You’re on issue seven now. What lessons have you learned to date?
Trust your gut instinct and stick to your guns. Build a solid team and nurture them (from the contributors to the printers). Don’t try to do it all yourself!
Do you currently own a dog(s). If so tell us about them?
Still getting my dog-fix through the magazine. A Labrador will come my way sooner or later…
Future goals and dreams with Four & Sons?
A book collection, travel guides, a dog photography award and exhibition, a beautiful accessories range and online store. The list is endless. I may need to quit my day-job first though!
You can pick up Four&Sons in the Library Project, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
Words: Michael McDermott
