FURRY EMPOWERMENT
This experimental work has been a collaborative project with Susan Reddrop. I am grateful for her support and expertise in cast lead crystal glass . These works were completed in 2021 in response to the increasing awareness of assistance animals especially throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Penny and Bella are an amazing source of companionship to me 24/7, every day of the year. They are my assistance dogs; a key source of support for my mental wellbeing and ability to function as a Disabled person. They are my lifeline; an extension of my being; my limbs, my soul. They help me move around, to do everyday activities and tasks, and be more independent. They are specially trained to help me live day to day with my Disability otherwise I would be immobilized.
As assistance dogs, we go everywhere; public places, planes, hospitals, dentist, cafes, galleries. There are no accessibility limitations. The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person with a Disability who is using an assistance dog. The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 protects people with Disabilities from discrimination.
An assistance dog is trained to perform tasks or functions that help a person with a Disability to alleviate the effects of the Disability.
Penny plays a significant role in increasing my independence and my ability to engage and participate in the world. We undergo annual training to ensure we pass our Public Access Test (PAT) test each year. Penny facilitated me to reach a new chapter in my life and maintain my independence and engagement in the world. Penny helps me with everyday tasks that I find difficult to achieve. The lived experience of mental health issues finds dogs specially trained to be deserving of their artistic attention.
My biggest supporters for love, companionship, beauty and inspiration are Penny and Bella.
Photography - Pamela Kleeman-Passi