The project started with a simple desire: to protect each other from the slight unease we sometimes felt in our personal spaces. Dusk, solitude, and the tricks of peripheral vision can make spaces feel a little unsettling at times. And, more than that, we wanted to spend time doing something meaningful together.
Naturally, the first two symbols that came to mind were a dog and a cat—the two most archetypal guardians and companions. In mythology, dogs are often protectors of sacred or significant places, with a liminal quality as guides of souls. For example, Anubis in Egyptian mythology and Cerberus in Greek mythology are both linked to guarding the gates of the afterlife. This blend of physical and spiritual guardianship makes dogs ideal symbols of protection. Their association with thresholds reflects their role in safeguarding the material realm, maintaining safety and order by keeping external chaos at bay.
Cats, on the other hand, are guardians of the spiritual and emotional energy of the home. Often drawn to places like beds and sofas—where humans are most vulnerable—they create a calming aura that protects the inhabitants' emotional and spiritual well-being. Across cultures, cats are linked to mysticism and the inner self. In Feng Shui, for instance, they are seen as enhancers of chi (life energy), dispersing stagnant energy as they move through a space. When cats curl up in central or elevated spots, it can symbolize their connection to the spiritual "core" of the home, much like a hearth embodies warmth and vitality.