Meet Ace
Ace has a gentle soul and feet that smell like popcorn. From rescue roots, he’s now embraced the artistic life. Well-known on the gallery circuit, his taste is second to none. 2 bowls of Scratch a day keep his achy joints well-oiled and digestion on point.
Soft. Cuddly. Sensitive. Discerning. Local street artist and gallery host, Ace the Staffy x Dingo, is an old soul but keeps up with the young pups of the art world. We sat down with him over a brew at Honey Bones Gallery in Brunswick to find out what keeps him going…
What’s a typical day look like for you, Ace?
I’ll usually wake up and get serenaded by my younger brother, Fury. Let’s just say he lacks chill. Then I’ll grab some breaky. A nice bowl of Scratch. After that I’ll either head here to the Gallery or to a mural site with my human, Jesse. I’ll proceed to sleep on a drop sheet for most of the day and wake up when Jesse needs my creative input. When I’m not working, I’m usually resting on the couch watching Curb Your Enthusiasm.
You’ve been in the art world for donkey’s years. And a lot of younger pups have come up through the ranks. How do you keep your energy up?
Competition in the art world has always been fierce, ya know. But if I let myself get bogged down in young pup drama I wouldn’t still be doing this. I look at all my peers, canine and human, as a community ya know. Creatives all coming together to appreciate the form.
As for what keeps me going, it’s simple – Scratch. I’ve been on the good stuff for 2 and a half years now and my energy has definitely been better. I’m less lethargic and I don’t crash in the afternoons anymore.
You’re known for your sensitivity. Have you always been a sensitive new age guy?
Yeah, I’d say so. I’m sensitive of heart, mind and stomach. What can I say? I know what I like and it isn’t a lot.
I’ve always been a picky eater. I’m very distrustful of food and like to eat slowly and take my time. I’ve also had pretty sensitive skin in the past. On Scratch, my dermatitis doesn’t flare up anymore. Easily the best food for me. And I’ve legit tried them all.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I hate being watched while I eat. Makes my fur crawl. Jesse knows now to leave the room when I’m
eating my Scratch.
You’ve mentioned your human, Jesse a bit. How did you come into each other’s lives?
Ahh, Jesse’s a legend and all-round top bloke. He adopted me back when I was just two and a half. Ah man, this would have been, say, 7 years ago now. He just wandered into the rescue centre I was at and we hit it off right away. He took me with him that arvo and we’ve never looked back.
Last question: who would play you in a movie?
Clint Eastwood. Easy.
