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Biography

Sharon Lee Hart was born in Washington, DC, and teaches photography in Nashville, TN. She was awarded Maine Media Workshops’ Carter Foundation Scholarship and was in Michigan this past summer for an artist residency at Ox-Bow. She has shown her photography and mixed-media work in exhibitions throughout the country.

Artist Statement

I have been visiting farm animal sanctuaries all over the country and making portraits of the residents. This project began because of my love of farm animals and the knowledge that they are some of the most abused, overlooked animals on the planet. After spending time with these animals, I confirmed what I knew in my heart to be true all along: these animals are unique, some are quirky or funny while others are sensitive, shy, playful, intelligent, mischievous, and inquisitive. All appear to have complex emotional lives.

I photograph at farm animal sanctuaries because the animals have been removed from abusive and other extreme situations and are now getting the best care possible. They are free to live out their lives and most have become comfortable with their environment, which enables me to make a more accurate portrait. Each sanctuary I visit is different, but all have a similar spirit and passionate dedication to animals. My goal is to depict each individual animal’s personality. One way to achieve this beyond the actual image is, when possible, to title each photographs with each animal’s name. I approach photographing them with respect and in the same manner I would a person. Ultimately, I hope these photographs encourage people to see with compassionate eyes and view farm animals in a new light.