Dana Dudina - Childhood
The painting depicts a younger version of myself with my kitten named Senya. I can confidently say that he played a significant role in my upbringing and in shaping my attitude toward animals. From the moments when, as a child, my mom and I would make toys for him out of candy wrappers, to now - when I’m willing to sleep in the most uncomfortable position just so I don’t disturb him on my bed.
We are still together today, and Senya is 12 years old.
I created this artwork while reflecting on how animals influence our perception of the world and, overall, the quality of our lives. With each passing year, I realize more and more how precious our time with these fluffy creatures truly is - how important it is to change their water, clean their food bowls on time, and give them our attention and playtime. For us, they are a part of life, but for them, we are their entire life.
As I grew older, I also began to direct my creativity toward helping animal shelters by photographing animals and sharing their stories on social media, hoping to give them visibility, care, and a better chance at finding a home.
This work is about the silent bond between humans and animals - a bond that shapes our childhood, stays with us through time, and gently teaches us responsibility, empathy, and love.
Best regards,
Dana Dudina
