|
|
Rooster Age Unknown from Allowed to Grow Old, 2008, Archival pigment print, Image size: 18" x 24", Paper size: 11" x 14" This rooster was a factory farm survivor. |
|---|
|
|
Pot Belly Pig Age 12 from Allowed to Grow Old, 2011, Archival pigment print, Image size: 9" x 9", Paper size: 11" x 14" Violet was born with her rear legs partially paralyzed. She was surrendered to a sanctuary because her guardian could not properly care for her special needs. |
|---|
For nearly a decade, I visited farm animal sanctuaries across America to create photographic portraits of geriatric animals. Nearly all of the animals I met for this project endured horrific abuse and neglect prior to their rescue. Yet it is a massive understatement to say that they are the lucky ones. Roughly seventy billion land animals are killed for food globally each year. It is nothing short of a miracle to be in the presence of a farm animal who has managed to reach old age. Most of their kin die before they are six months old. By depicting the beauty and dignity of elderly farm animals, I invite reflection upon what is lost when these animals are not allowed to grow old.