Artist Statement: Animal Mine

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.”

~~ Anatole France, French Novelist
 

Animal companions can be the only detachment from what has become a philistine society.  They can be the most patient caretakers as seen with guide dogs.  Animal companions are the prime source of unconditional love in this world.  My intention with Animal Mine is to show and promote appreciation for the friends that make our lives so joyous and fulfilling.  To express this, I have used my animal companions as models for these paintings and drawings. 

Contrary to the usual yearbook style pet portrait, these artworks show the animals often in awkward poses or wearing quirky facial expressions.  Whether sleeping or playing, the animals’ poses are dynamic like human figures in a drawing class, but without loosing his or her natural characteristics.  Each piece embodies the model’s individual personality through pose, composition, color, and mark making.  This demonstrates my belief that everyone should consider animals as sentient, intelligent beings. 

These paintings and drawings of various media are reminders of the love and respect many already have for animals, but they will also enlighten others.

Click here to view the artwork

© Amanda Pampena