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The Guardian

During concept development, I wanted to share what came to mind when I thought of youth, children and families affected by child abuse. Child abuse happens within many circles and communities and is often swept under the rug or kept hidden. Protection, safety, hope and healing are words that came to mind when thinking about the children who are dealing with the trauma of child abuse. With that in mind, my concept was inspired by warriors, superheroes, armour, courage and hope. As a father, it is natural to want to protect and keep my own children safe as much as possible. However, the reality is that we cannot always be there to protect our children. But I believe it is important to bring awareness and educate people about child abuse, to not only help prevent it from happening, but to also help them navigate through these situations and provide safe spaces for the abused and the families involved, when the time arises.

This bison is intended to be a beacon and symbol of protection and safety. It is a reminder to all children, that they are not alone and we are doing our best to protect them. It is also a reminder to all adults, that we have a responsibility to protect them. The elements on the bison, including the horns, represent the protective armor that is often seen on superheroes or guardians, which is how I hope the children view this bison. The colours chosen are vibrant, bold, fun and have been inspired by classic superhero costumes. It was a priority to design a piece that was approachable, relatable and something that would put a smile on kids’ faces.

During my research about bison, I learnt that during thunderstorms, bison actually run towards the storm to get through it faster, rather than running away from it. This is the type of bravery and courage I hope this piece evokes in others; it is the type of courage it takes to speak out and be vulnerable about their experiences. Subtle thunderbolts are incorporated into the broader parts of the bison’s legs to represent that courage and empowerment. The bison looks firm in its stance and ready to take on whatever comes its way.

The goal for this design was not only to bring joy to children and the community, but also give them hope, comfort, peace and let them know they have people on their side to lean on. This bison was envisioned to be like a guardian for the children, walking by their side through their journey. Like the bison that travel in herds, this bison is one of many unique designs which is a great example of how there is strength in numbers.

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Artist: Jonato Dalayoan