"This main inspiration for 4-Dimensional Friend is from my chocolate Labrador Alfie and his positive impact with my mental health over the past two years. Alfie was purchased as a therapy dog to help me through my depression. I named this sculpture 4-Dimensional Friend because I can feel, touch, see and smell Alfie. These senses are what help bring me back into the moment. I also drew insight from Pixel Artist Shawn Smith (Smith, “Weight of Woes”), he investigates the intersection between the digital world and reality, he is interested how we experience nature through technology. This connects with my intention as I can express my emotions in a physical object. I chose the pixel genre because it is viewed as simple yet is complex and I feel is similar with controlling emotion. The intended message in the artwork was to show Alfie’s positive impact on my mental health."

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