Interwoven Lives: A Historical Journey

In this exhibition, "Interwoven Lives," I explore the profound and ongoing relationship between humans and animals throughout history. This collection of paintings delves into the intricate connections that have shaped our shared existence and reflects on how these bonds have evolved. From the earliest cave paintings to contemporary art, artists have depicted the relationship between animals and humans. These artworks serve as a testament to the significance of animals in our lives as companions, symbols, spiritual beings, partners in warfare, food sources, and sources of inspiration. By studying the history of different cultures’ relationships with animals, we gain insight into their cultural and practical roles across various eras and societies. My inspiration primarily comes from a class I took in my first year called Pets & People. In this course, we read Run, Spot, Run: Ethics of Keeping Pets by Jessica Pierce. We explored the relationship between people and their pets, which inspired me to reflect on my own bond with my pets. My motivation arises from my love for animals. Last semester, I started working as a photographer with Delta Humane Society & SPCA. While there, I heard and witnessed the stories of cats and dogs, ranging from surrender to abandonment, which further motivated me to learn more about the history of our relationship with animals and how it has developed. I created seven paintings to demonstrate my learning: four watercolors and three acrylics. Both use mixed media; the acrylics incorporate plaster, while the watercolors feature markers or ink. The acrylic pieces begin with a drawing topped with plaster to create a 3D effect that symbolizes our distant connection to history. The watercolors begin with sketching before applying watercolor and used markers or ink to enhance each piece as needed. Different color schemes convey various emotions; vivid colors suggest positivity, while darker colors indicate negativity. Acrylic and watercolor paintings show these emotions through color, composition, and texture. Some have quite a chaotic composition, demonstrating our chaotic lives with animals, while others show a peaceful, more structured composition that reflects a neutral relationship. Additionally, some are pretty simple, depicting our evolving relationship. I also studied the animals in the artwork, studying their interactions to capture their features and emotions accurately. “Interwoven Lives” invites viewers to journey through history, see the world through the eyes of humans and animals, and recognize the profound impact we have on each other’s lives.