Art is Shadow Work
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The dog grooming community is filled with so many artists, and that’s what we are! Artists. I feel like we haven’t gotten enough recognition for that in the past, but I think things are changing.
More and more people are seeking out dog groomers to style their pets in artistic and fun ways, and I’m so happy to see it!
In the past, I used to be ashamed to say that I was a dog groomer. I was always met with comments like: “Oh… are you also going to school or something?” “That sounds like a fun side gig” “What do you want to do as a career later on?” Etc.
Now I talk about being a dog groomer with pride. I brag to people about how I get to create living art. How I get to work with my favorite animals on the planet, and help them feel better.
It took a long time to figure out what felt right for me, to find an outlet where I could fully express myself and have others share in my joy for creativity.
Now, I get to combine my biggest passions into a fulfilling career. I am surrounded by other creatives and I’m a part of a thriving community.
Whether it’s dog grooming, photography, video editing, making content to post online, writing captions, or choosing music to go with it;
It’s all art for me. The process of creating comes from my soul.
This career path is more than just “cutting dog hair”. So many of us have big reasons for why we chose this.
I saw a quote the other day;
“Art is shadow work that transmutes pain into beauty”
And I felt this so deeply.
Working with animals brings me so much joy, and I have always had a deep connection with them. I was always bringing home stray or hurt animals, and with help from my mom, we would nurse them back to health.
I would take pictures of everything, trying to capture the beauty of the moment I saw and felt around me.
I have always been a little awkward, and I am highly sensitive. Sensitive to sounds, light, smells, and especially people. I get tripped up on my own words often, and I overthink every action and word said to me.
From my experience, I also think this is fairly true for a lot of others in this community. We’re a strange bunch, aren’t we?!
Whenever life was unbearable, I would always surround myself in nature. I would let my curiosity and wonder take over, and I felt like I could be myself in these spaces.
I would sit there admiring all the little creatures I could see, appreciating the sounds of life.
No words are needed there.
No words could hurt me.
No words being replayed over and over to send me spiraling into self doubt.
Animals are pure. Especially dogs. They don’t judge you for the way you look, how good you are at something, when you say the wrong thing, or what you can offer them (besides food and love).
They love you through it all. Through your dark moments, through huge life transitions, and even when you make big mistakes.
Being able to express my creativity with them is such a joy, and I’m truly honored to share my art with the world.
Whatever your reasons are for choosing this career path, just know that you are so much more than “just a dog groomer”. You’re a caretaker, a friend, and also, an artist.