Artist Transforms Pit Bulls From Fierce to Utterly Adorable to Save Their Lives
Ask anyone to name pets that are cute and cuddly, and pit bulls are definitely not top dog. They’re strong, energetic canines, yes, but images of them being killers and fighters — stereotypical as that may be — dog these animals.
It’s too bad, because many pit bulls are quite gentle. (Really!) Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan has even noted that they once were considered “America’s darling.”
So one artist is using her camera to change that perception back.
New York-based photographer Sophie Gamand, author of the upcoming book Wet Dog, started photographing pit bulls in handmade flower crowns over a year ago with the intention of making you say “aww” when you see them — not cringe away in fear.
Her project, Flower Power: Pit Bulls of the Revolution, has since grown into a social movement under the hashtag #PitBullFlowerPower, and some of her pit bull portraits are on display in Paris now through mid-October. Ironically, the breed is banned in the city.
Related on Yahoo Makers: Dog Owners Mimic Their Pets Perfectly in, Well, Perfect Photo Shoot
Like many people, the artist was initially fearful of pit bulls, but through doing volunteer photography at animal shelters she was exposed to them regularly.
“There are so many pit bulls in America and its shelter system that the country euthanizes upward of 1 million every year,” Gamand told Yahoo Makers. “They are the victims of this monstrous, quiet massacre. I wanted to see if art was powerful enough it could change the way we look at pit bulls, renew the dialogue around these misunderstood dogs, and ultimately modify their fate.”
It’s working: Gamand partnered with several shelters in New York City to take shots, and some of those photos went viral. A favorite, “Brownie,” was adopted within weeks of when her photo posted … and she’d been at the shelter for two years. “She was so popular after her portrait came out that other dogs were adopted thanks to her, by people who had come to meet her and instead met another dog.”
“I have people who write me to tell me I changed their minds and now they don’t switch sidewalks when crossing paths with someone walking a pit bull; they are actually interested in meeting the dog now,” Gamand went on to say. “I think all it takes is for someone to meet a sweet pit bull and their mind will be changed. But people are often afraid to take that step. There is such a stigma attached to these dogs.”
Gamand has photographed over 150 pits to date and is toying with creating a book or even taking Flower Power on the road to document pit bulls across the U.S. or even the world. “I can’t stop the project now! As an artist, when your art is finally making a difference, how can you stop?” she asked us.
Want to help with the project? Gamand funds it via prints, a calendar, and other products like tote bags and pouches.
Or, of course, you could adopt a pit in need, like the ones featured here. Gamand maintains a list online of those awaiting adoption too.
Also on Yahoo Makers:
Makeup Artist Turns Herself Into Her Siberian Husky: Perfect for National Dog Day
Public Pool Parties for Dogs Are the Best Thing About End of Summer
Dog Lovers, Here Are 6 Craft Projects You’re Going to Love
Let Yahoo Makers inspire you every day! Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest.
