In my art practice, I make use of a number of investigative tools and methods including reading and research, concept mapping, collaborative work with students and interviews with people who have dedicated their lives to working with animals. Below are a few examples of some of the people I have had the pleasure of working with.
is a canine massage therapist and founder of Puppy Love Therapy. She provides massage therapy and Reiki to dogs that are sick, aging, arthritic, recovering from surgery or otherwise in need. Cherylann works with dogs in the pool (hydrotherapy) and on land. She was inspired by her dog 'Dakota' who helped her overcome many difficulties in life, encouraging to follow her intuition and her dreams.
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Founder of White Oak Pastures, a multi-generational family farm in Bluffton, Georgia. I am grateful to Will for providing me with many of the bones that I have used in my sculptures and photographs.
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Corine Samwel is a licensed psychologist based in Tallahassee, Florida, who specializes in equine therapy. She sees clients of all ages. Her approach does not involve riding the horses, but rather, learning to be present with these magnificent animals. The horse is like a mirror, giving the client immediate feedback on his/her movements, gestures, speech and mental state.
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is the founder of Journey's End Animal Sanctuary, founded in 1974 in Deland, FL. Journey's End serves as the final home for many animals, including dogs, cats, horses, sheep, pigs and birds. It is a safe place for animals that are at the end of life, have significant health problems or other special needs. Florence and her volunteer staff provide the best of care for these animals. She is an inspiration to so many people.
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A collaborative project completed in December, 2013, with students in Introduction to Psychology course at Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, FL. Students created images and wrote essays about what 'honoring animals' means to them.
An evolving, ever-changing map of my research on honoring nonhuman animals, compiled from reading, teaching, interviews and fieldwork.