artist statement
Dogs and other animals have been my subjects for many years now. I look at them as the spiritual beings that I believe they are—wise, playful and full of integrity.
I will often place an animal in an unnatural setting as a comment on the human tendency to impose. Reflecting on the unsuspecting and innocent response to this, I use humor and irony to show the dignity, confusion, fear or pleasure that the animal might experience.
I am increasingly aware of animals as the vulnerable, sentient beings that need us for their care, protection and quality of life. This idea drives my paintings. — Jane O'Hara