Artist’s Statement

This project was created for an assignment that prompted students to research and create short visual stories about social justice issues. Through our visual story we wanted to show the significance of service animals and animals in general and their impact on mental health. These animals provide companionship, emotional support, and sense of purpose. We used black and white color in our visual story to effectively convey a scene of emotion struggle and creating a visual atmosphere that mirrors the main character’s low emotion state. This usage of color symbolizes their mental hardship and external challenges. As color gradually appears, it serves as a powerful symbol of the character’s emotional healing and growth, reflecting a positive shift in their well being. The color of the first half of the story would be shot in black and white to create a sad tone for the story. Later as the story progresses we would add more light into the frame by adding saturation to create a more joyful and happy atmosphere. The goal is to create a juxtaposition between loneliness and companionship that shows how pets can be a source of light for owners. This story not only raises awareness about the challenges veterans face after combat and the impact of PTSD but also highlights the importance of animals as crucial supports for those dealing with mental health issues. Individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, or frequent panic attacks often rely on mental health companions, but those unfamiliar with this concept may be puzzled when they see support animals in action. While many find joy and inspiration in well-trained animals, it's important to understand the responsibilities of emotional support animals. After conducting thorough research, we’ve learned to value the strong connection that can form between people and service animals and recognize the significance of these animals in our lives.