Portraits of Rescued Farm Animals
This project emphasizes that farmed animals are sentient beings with distinct personalities and relationships. I visited and photographed animal residents at ten farm sanctuaries across the United States dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong care for abused and neglected animals. I created formal black and white portraits of each animal in environments where they felt comfortable. The portraits are titled with the animal’s name and sanctuary location to emphasize identity and presence. The animals photographed become representatives of the fortunate few living in safe environments, in contrast to the billions of farmed animals that continue to exist without meaningful legal protection.
To make these portraits, I spent time observing and waiting for the animals to approach me, allowing a sense of connection to develop between photographer and subject. I waited for subtle expressions, gazes, and shifts in body language before releasing the shutter. Through these encounters, I witnessed how inaccurate common stereotypes about farmed animals can be. Pigs, for example, rank among the most intelligent animals, surpassing even many companion animals in cognitive ability. I also observed strong maternal bonds and unexpected interspecies friendships, such as Barbie the hen and Rambo the ram resting together at Catskill Animal Sanctuary. Each portrait invites viewers to encounter farmed animals as individuals and reconsider the ways they are perceived and treated.
Published by Charta Art Books as Sanctuary: Portraits of Rescued Farm Animals, the project includes handwritten stories about each animal by sanctuary founders and caretakers, along with essays by animal advocates. Proceeds from print and book sales have been donated to the featured sanctuaries in support of their work.