This four-layer hand-screen print was inspired by my partner’s dog Clyde. He’s a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix and an incredibly sweet soul despite a rough past of shelter hopping, life on the streets, and suspected abuse. Because of this, Clyde suffers from extreme separation anxiety to the point that my partner registered him as an emotional support animal so he could be with us everywhere.

I photographed Clyde in my apartment hallway, which has beautifully embellished walls. Getting the perfect side-profile shot took countless attempts (and a lot of tennis ball distractions). I edited the image in Photoshop, ultimately choosing posterization over halftone to avoid visual clutter.

For the final layer, I hand-drew a hellhound film positive to symbolize Clyde’s inner anxiety demons. The contrast between his gentle nature and the aggressive imagery intrigued me.

I hope viewers take the time to decipher the duality in this print—the tension between violence and innocence—and feel compelled to wonder about Clyde’s story.