Womans Best Friend
Title
Womans Best Friend
Creator
Claunch, Anna
Abstract
The phrase “a dog is man's best friend” is often used to describe the connection between mankind and dogs. However, one household pet has been associated with femininity through literature and witch hunts. That is of course, the house cat.
Cats have been friends of women for centuries. From catching mice, to keeping children busy, to of course companionship. But in more recent times they have been studied as a form of stress relief and treatment for mental illness. Studies have shown that petting a cat for 10 minutes can decrease levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, that you produce. They also provide a social outlet and a routine which is helpful for those struggling with depression.
The body has a base of a mannequin with hand sculpted foam elements, it is dismembered to show the feeling of dissociation. It is covered in preserved sheet moss and hand selected and painted dried products represent parts of you dying and returning to earth. The florals on and surrounding the torso are inspired by the Flemish period of design. Flemish floral design is very lavish but imperfect, it appreciates the imperfections of florals just as we need to appreciate imperfections in ourselves. The moss cat in the center of the torso is covered in hand picked and dried florals. The placement of the florals symbolizes the cat bringing back life to her. This project is dedicated to my cat Cassy, who helps bring me back to life when I am in pieces.
Cats have been friends of women for centuries. From catching mice, to keeping children busy, to of course companionship. But in more recent times they have been studied as a form of stress relief and treatment for mental illness. Studies have shown that petting a cat for 10 minutes can decrease levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, that you produce. They also provide a social outlet and a routine which is helpful for those struggling with depression.
The body has a base of a mannequin with hand sculpted foam elements, it is dismembered to show the feeling of dissociation. It is covered in preserved sheet moss and hand selected and painted dried products represent parts of you dying and returning to earth. The florals on and surrounding the torso are inspired by the Flemish period of design. Flemish floral design is very lavish but imperfect, it appreciates the imperfections of florals just as we need to appreciate imperfections in ourselves. The moss cat in the center of the torso is covered in hand picked and dried florals. The placement of the florals symbolizes the cat bringing back life to her. This project is dedicated to my cat Cassy, who helps bring me back to life when I am in pieces.
Date
2025
Collection
Citation
Claunch, Anna, “Womans Best Friend,” MU Libraries Digital Exhibits and Online Forums, accessed February 26, 2026, https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/262.
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