Local artists have joined forces to create Pet’s Purpose, a series of striking portraits highlighting the role pets play in the lives and mental health of their owners.
Photographer Sabrina Lauriston and digital designer Jolene Watson collaborated on the project funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission and delivered during Queensland Mental Health Week.
The images were first exhibited in the form of a photographic exhibition, then reproduced in the form of a calendar, with all funds raised being donated to the RSPCA and Lifeline.
Sabrina said the project aimed to identify how pets bring people together and can help individuals deal with loneliness.
“The original inspiration came from a conversation with Lifeline where people often identify that the only support they have in their life is their pet,” Sabrina said.
“They may not have friends or family, but their pet protects them from suicide and has a positive influence on their mental health.”
To create the project, Sabrina captured the natural bond between pets and their owners through a series of portraits, following which Jolene digitally manipulated the images to create a unique character.
The result was 15 original final portraits which were each presented with an educational presentation from the animal’s perspective on how it helped its owner with mental wellbeing.
Examples included:
“I like to comfort my human when they feel alone,” Willow.
“I help my human relax from stress every time he comes home,” Marvin.
Sabrina said the project aimed to start safe and meaningful conversations about mental health and foster a sense of social inclusion, belonging and connection.
“Because of its fun nature, yet serious subject matter, we saw this project as an opportunity to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness,” Sabrina said.
“We have produced 60 printed calendars from the images from the exhibition (and) will be able to donate the profits of $720 equally between Lifeline and the RSPCA.”
If you or someone you know needs help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
