watercolor, color pencil, and ink; 20×16″
“When adopting a dog, how many people really think about where that dog came from? If they have been treated properly? Most don’t, because laws have been put in place to protect these animal’s rights, however unfortunately some people and places find a way around. My piece depicts a chihuahua dog in distress while on the cover of a magazine, being marketed as an accessory or an object. While seeing my artpiece I would like viewers to consider what they should be aware of when adopting, as well as its impact. I myself have a dog that was rescued from a puppy mill and bred for aesthetics. Because of this he’s had more health issues than any of our other dogs. I want to spread awareness on what animals could have gone through before they got a home, such as neglect, abuse, malnourishment, and unethical breeding.”
ARTIST BIO: Ziva BRANDAO-HOLMES is a grade 11 student at Butler Tech School of Art studying art under art teacher Mary Catherine Ruby.