Sanctuary

Three years ago, my family and I got a potbelly pig, Sir Piggleton III. We thought that he was going to be the same size as a medium size dog. Three years later, we realized that he grew to be about one hundred and fifteen pounds. He nearly tripled in size from the day we got him. Through having Piggleton I have learned a lot about pigs. Eventually I learned of Hog Haven farm a pig sanctuary who takes in abandoned and neglected pigs. They have taught me a lot about being a pig parent. After getting Piggleton it has been a journey learning every step of the way on how to care and stimulate him. He has been an important part of my life which has influenced my practice. There are people however who buy potbellied pigs as pets believing that the pigs are going to stay small. The abandonment rate of potbellied pigs increases because of the lack of education, neglect, and potential carelessness for another creature’s life.  

This body of work tells the stories of Mary Ann, Turbo, Chopper, Peetie, Ray Charles, Prim Rose, Burgie, Gidget, Hoover, Lulu, Pickle, and Ruth who are residents at Hog Haven farm. Portrait style photographs create a connection between the viewer and the subject. Humanizing these potbellied pigs to bring attention to wanting of an exotic pet because it is considered popular with celebrities and pop culture that can result in the abandonment of potbellied pigs. Focusing this body of work on the idea that getting a new pet, specifically an exotic pet, requires time and research before getting into a long-term relationship with a creature that will get attached to its human family.