Lydia Hall

Richard Patterson - The Wedding Party, 2005

oil on canvas

Sophie Gamand (France/USA) - Wet dog

Sophie Gamand is a French photographer living and working in New York. Since 2010, Gamand’s photography explores the complex dynamics of the relationship between dogs and humans. With both a documentary and fine-art approaches, she questions the place that dogs occupy in the human society. Her series Wet Dog showcases portraits of dogs photographed during their least favorite activity: bath time. Exposing the dogs at a vulnerable moment, Gamand is able to capture their wide range of expressions. She believes dogs are more than animals and have acquired a status of persona. They mirror humans and the bond we have developed with them says a lot about our own solitude and social challenges. Gamand also donates photography time and expertise to animal charities and shelters. 

© All images courtesy the artist

Before I knew Bon Iver, I was a little broken.

I saw myself as a conquerer of the world. I tried my best to acknowledge my flaws, and to use the strength they gave me to push open the doors of every new opportunity. Bang!

I’m the same woman now, but I’ve begun to move more slowly, with more intention. Bon Iver didn’t change me. He only showed me that I could use my power for more delicate things. I could be gentle with a bird’s snapped wing. And I could be gentle with myself.