“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
– Anatole France (French poet, journalist, and novelist)
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As I stepped onboard with this project, I had been approached by several people asking the question, “Why? Why do you want to do something like this with pets?” My response was shallow and I simply said, “Think it might be fun.” It’s true. I really said something like that.
It wasn’t until I really started looking at this project and asking myself the question, “Why?” that I came to understand how really important these images mean, not only to me, but to all that became involved.
What strikes me foremost about doing this photography project and coming through this process to achieve these final results, was that every single image shows the commitment and undying love that people feel for their pets. It strikes me how important their lives are with that love and understanding and how committed people are to the welfare of their animals. The more I worked, the more I came to realize that these relationships are by far a two-way road and what is felt by the owner is returned by their pets. It was a wonderful thing to see.
I tried to bring these images to light and capture the simple pleasure that they have for these animals. I hope I have achieved this because through this process I have seen first-hand how important both lives are to each other and the joy they feel about their family.
This was a great experience for me and I learned more than pets are pets, but what they mean in their own personal way.
I would like to express my gratitude to all that shared this journey with us. I would also like to thank the ENGAGE organization for their support. So, thank you, Sara Debevec, Program Director, and Nancy Goodhart, EngAGE C.A.O., for your dedication to the residents of the NOHO Senior Arts Colony in North Hollywood and your support of this project.
NoHo Residents with Pets photographs by Jim Storm. “With Love” Photography Reception photographs by Dr. Valerie Pronio-Stelluto. Article by Jim Storm and Dr. Valerie Pronio-Stelluto.
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The following photographs were on display during the opening reception of the “With Love” Photography Show at the NoHo Senior Arts Colony in North Hollywood, California on February 6th, 2018.
