We’ve designed and crafted 33 unique portraits of Samson, all 1 of 1 pieces of art which will be released on OpenSea, coming soon! This project is dedicated to the one and only Samson. My loyal companion that has been my helper, my savior, and my best friend. A few years ago I started to fall into poor health, experiencing an array of painful and undiagnosable conditions such as seizures and chron
ic pain that made it difficult for me to work, let alone live comfortably. My life before was dedicated to my businesses and my dogs. I have always been a great advocate for the roles that a dog can play in a person’s life, and believe that a dog is truly an integral part of a family. Dogs have consistently enriched my life, brought me joy, hope, and so many unforgettable moments of laughter, tenderness, and love. If there was one motto that defined me, it would be, “A dog is a man’s best friend.” I’ve had the privilege of having many best friends in my life, even now, when times have been the most harrowing. This ongoing bout of illnesses has made me reconfigure my entire existence, and as a result of multiple factors ranging from personal anxieties to physical health concerns, I don’t feel comfortable leaving my home except for doctor’s visits. As you can imagine, my life has become one of immense solitude. But through it all, there has always been one furry beacon of hope. His name is Samson, a Presa Canario that fell into my lap (in some ways quite literally). He’s been my main source of emotional support during these trying times. For those that don’t know: Presa Canarios are a rare breed of owner-focused dogs that are known for their deep intelligence, extremely trainable personality, and their emotional attunement to their owner. I’ve had many dogs throughout my life, and none of them has been as aware of their owner’s needs and concerns. Sometimes, it feels like Samson and I can communicate telepathically, and in an instant he can decipher exactly where he needs to be and what I need him to do. To have a bond like this has been a gift in a world that has often felt unkind and unfair. But nothing can truly be dismal with Samson around. There are many ways in which Samson will never be able to understand what he has given to me. What feels like instinct to him is perceived as the greatest kindness. What he understands as necessary would be to some less empathetic humans a far-reaching request. I wanted to make art that really had a legacy, and the block-chain provides just that: A way in which Samson can live forever in the hearts and minds of his fans, who may be scattered across the world. A block-chain lives on forever, just as I want Samson’s vibrant spirit to do. It feels important for others to understand the power of a dog’s generosity, spirit, and empathy, not only so they can see how a pet has helped an individual, but the importance of continuing to practice companionship and kindness even when times are toughest. In our contained little world, Samson has become a shape-shifter in my imagination, occupying a variety of roles both fantastical and grounded in reality. It’s been fun visualizing all the different narrative universes he can inhabit, and what he’d look like in those spaces, worlds he inhabits in his and my dreams, and the ways parts of his personality come out throughout the day. The joy of this project is in letting Samson and myself live so many different lives in a digital space, in the hopes of inspiring the outside world to be as curious and adventurous, regardless of where they are and what they’re able to do.
