Image via sophiegamand/Instagram “Flower Power”, a project by photographer Sophie Gamand, “challenges the way society perceives and treats pit bulls by shortening the emotional distance between the viewer and these misunderstood dogs. The portraits celebrate the life and dignity of these soulful creatures who are at the mercy of humans,” the artist shares on her website.
Since 2014, she has created around 500 portraits of pit bulls in an attempt to show that they are just like any other dogs. “They need proper care, training and socialization,” Gamand emphasizes. “Unfortunately, because of their bad image, they have the false reputation of being more dangerous than other dogs, hence attracting irresponsible primary owners who are looking for a “scary dog”, and seek to develop those traits in them. Pit bulls’ downfall is to be exactly the way we created them: strong and loyal. With this series, I wonder if art is a tool powerful enough it can change pit bulls’ fate.”
Scroll down to see the photos.
View this post on Instagram
Happy May 1st! The #PitBullFlowerPowerCALENDAR girl for this month is Princess from @reboundhounds. She was adopted. Did you notice her Madonna-esque beauty mark? May is going to be nuts for me, between the @Kickstarter for my book until May 20th (link in my bio), @superfine.fair this week (get your tickets now and come hang out!, it opens tomorrow, I am adding the info in my story), writing the Flower Power book and working on its design, and a couple of shelter trips I am trying to squeeze in (Las Vegas is booked, and I am working on Florida for a very special group of dogs). PHEW. I am currently doing a takeover on @fotografiska (the most amazing photo museum, in Stockholm, I dream of exhibiting there- wink wink Fotografiska!!), and this weekend will take over @mymodernmet (the first website that shared my #WetDog series back in the days, and helped launch my career big time), then next week I’ll take over @thedodo stories on May 10th! ARGH! Oh and of course I promised you a Q&A session to celebrate 200K friends! So send your questions! I’ll start answering soon 😚. I guess I will see you all in June… if I survive! 😆✌️ #pitbullflowerpower
A post shared by Sophie Gamand (@sophiegamand) on May 1, 2018 at 6:31am PDT
View this post on Instagram
PEORIA (near Phoenix), ARIZONA: #PitBullFlowerPower Rocky was found wandering alone and confused outside of the Hard Rock Café in Phoenix (hence the name). The café’s staff contacted @azk9rescue and Rocky was saved. He was skinny, dirty, and covered in a purple substance that had been sprayed all over his body. It turned out this was some kind of equine antibiotic spray that had been sprayed after he’d been injured, but never taken to a vet. His owner was apparently into the DIY vetting because he’d also tried to do a home crop job on Rocky’s tail by tying a rubber band on it. I photographed him in November 2015 so he has been waiting for over 3 years now. Rocky is described by the rescue as a “clown dog” with an exuberant outlook on life. Everything he does is a little "extra". Him and his BFF at the rescue, China, are always wrestling and tumbling around the yard. Rocky is very sweet and loves to lick your entire face with kisses. The rescue’s absolute favorite thing about him is when it is windy it catches his ears, blowing them straight up in the air. He loves to hike and run and would be best with older kids and female dogs. Local shelters are overwhelmed with pit bulls and often offering free adoptions, so this rescue is struggling to find local adopters. But they have many amazing dogs who have been waiting for years now. Please consider them! For more info, visit www.azk9.org or email [email protected] to set up a meet-and-greet. #LostPawsRocky . #adoptdontshop #photographysaveslives #flowercrown #pitbullflowerpower #sophiegamand #flowerdog
A post shared by Sophie Gamand (@sophiegamand) on Jul 30, 2018 at 7:46am PDT
View this post on Instagram
4 years ago today, I shared my first #PitBullFlowerPower portrait (this particular one, Cali from @nyanimalrescue). I wasn't sure it was a good idea, I wasn't sure it was good enough either. I had no idea the journey that would ensue. I am grateful for my old self, back then, who decided to take a chance on that slightly crazy idea (putting flower crowns on dogs I had never met before and who scared me?! What could go wrong!!!). It's been incredible witnessing this project grow wings, save lives, change mine, and transform the world a little. To all the creatives out there who are in a rut (including me! hahaha): trust your instincts and commit to your art, even if it's just for one day, one painting, one image. Nothing happens to those who don't "do". We all have it in us to create great things and become successful. There isn't just one path for everyone. There are millions of paths, but you will only find yours if you take the first step. To all the people out there who are trying to help homeless animals, or fight for a cause dear to their hearts: don't give up! Just like anyone else, I started with 1 like, and for years, I thought I would never make a difference. The only thing I could truly control was my commitment to this project, my mission, my vision. Don't give up. Commit. . #pitbullflowerpower #sophiegamand #commit #dogrescue #photographysaveslives #pitbull #pitbulladvocate #flowercrown
A post shared by Sophie Gamand (@sophiegamand) on Aug 5, 2018 at 1:45pm PDT
