I AM...a project that challenges the media stereotypes of Pit Bulls
Presenter Status
Assistant Professor, Department of Visual Art, Communication and Design
Presentation Type
Exhibition
Session
Art and Education
Location
Buller Hall Room 108
Start Date
5-5-2016 3:25 PM
End Date
5-5-2016 3:45 PM
Presentation Abstract
Pit Bulls are the most abused, overbred and misunderstood dog in America. These dogs are entering shelters in alarming numbers and euthanized more than any other type of dog. Often they are judged based on how they look rather than by their actions. During World War I, this breed was considered “America’s Dog” and proudly displayed on patriotic posters to show strength and stability, so what happened?
What are these dogs really like? Since they can’t tell us, the ones who know them best—their owners—speak for them in my project. Using social media, I asked Pit Bull owners to send me a picture of their dog and one word to best describe their pet.
From over 670 entries, I selected one dog from each state. These dogs and words were printed on plastic using Lenticular technology. This is a style of printing that produces images that change or move depending on the viewing angle. When viewing this project, you will see either the image of the dog, the word to describe him/her, or a combination of both. This project requires some interaction and movement to both see and read the information presented. Each entry also shows the dog’s name and what state they represent.
Biographical Sketch
Diane Myers has had a love for type and printed things ever since she started reading books and designing cards for friends and family at a young age. Before she graduated from Andrews University in 1991, she completed an internship at Carlton Cards Ltd. working as a hand lettering artist and playing with letters for a variety of French and English greeting cards.
Myers has been working as an award-winning designer for almost 25 years and still enjoys playing with type for a living and working on multiple page projects. In 2009, she returned to Andrews University to teach graphic design as a full-time Associate Professor. She completed her MFA in Graphic Design in October, 2014 at Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier, Vermont.
In addition to her interest in printed publications, Myers is an animal advocate and enjoys learning the psychology and behavior of animals. She also enjoys traveling and exploring other cultures and has spent time living and working in England, Iceland and Russia.
I AM...a project that challenges the media stereotypes of Pit Bulls
Buller Hall Room 108
Pit Bulls are the most abused, overbred and misunderstood dog in America. These dogs are entering shelters in alarming numbers and euthanized more than any other type of dog. Often they are judged based on how they look rather than by their actions. During World War I, this breed was considered “America’s Dog” and proudly displayed on patriotic posters to show strength and stability, so what happened?
What are these dogs really like? Since they can’t tell us, the ones who know them best—their owners—speak for them in my project. Using social media, I asked Pit Bull owners to send me a picture of their dog and one word to best describe their pet.
From over 670 entries, I selected one dog from each state. These dogs and words were printed on plastic using Lenticular technology. This is a style of printing that produces images that change or move depending on the viewing angle. When viewing this project, you will see either the image of the dog, the word to describe him/her, or a combination of both. This project requires some interaction and movement to both see and read the information presented. Each entry also shows the dog’s name and what state they represent.