LOVE IS THE COLOUR

Working on this series of mostly black and white portraits and meeting the people behind the exterior has been a pleasure and a privilege and is often very moving. Everyone has a story to tell, but many of these lives are much more extreme in both their simplicity and their complexity. Interacting with these fascinating faces of our city and their animal companions is a project very close to my heart. My aim was to produce strong and sympathetic images that would help raise awareness of those experiencing homelessness in Sydney Pets in the Park (PITP) aims to support, build relationships with and improve the wellbeing of homeless or at risk of homelessness people in society living with animal companions. Many people who are homeless own pets that play a significant role in their lives. These much loved pets offer unconditional love, companionship, emotional support and security – basic human needs that are often not met elsewhere. Although pet ownership greatly enriches the lives of those who are homeless, it also comes at a significant financial cost. Annual vaccinations, flea treatment, routine worming, and de-sexing and micro-chipping an animal costs hundreds of dollars. PITP is a registered charity with DGR (deductible gift recipient) status that runs free monthly pet health clinics throughout Australia.