Episode 68- Painting with Pigcasso

A new artist is making a splash on the international scene with her abstract paintings. Her name- Pigcasso. And yes, she is actually a very large pig.

We had the chance to speak with Pigcasso’s Curator, Joanne Lefson, on her meteoric rise, her preferred medium and how she gets her inspiration.

Pigcasso’s talent was first discovered when Joanne brought her to live at Farm Sanctuary, South Africa. Knowing that pigs can be a bit destructive when they’re bored, Joanne knew she had to find a way to keep her occupied. Funnily, the solution presented itself when after a mere couple of days, she noticed that the pig was very drawn and protective of some paint brushes in the barn. She decided to let her give painting a go and the rest, as they say, is art history.

Pigcasso’s first works were sold to some travelling American attorneys and soon she had amassed a collection of works that she now sells online to collectors and animal lovers worldwide. In fact, her pieces are flying off the walls. The funds from the sale of her work go directly to the animal sanctuary which houses pigs, cows, chickens and a slew of other farm animals who have been rescued.

Her popularity has grown so much that she’s recently been featured in numerous national and international publications, and yes, she still wanted to talk to us over here at Why? She also just launched her own wine brand complete with a custom wine label designed by Pigcasso herself. Proceeds from the bottles, which will be released in April 2020, also support Farm Sanctuary.

When asked how her artwork comes to be. We learned that she is really given free rein to paint whatever inspires her each day. From there, Joanne will determine the best title for the piece. If you check out her work online, you will see that quite often the resemblances are uncanny. For those who have original Pigcassos hanging in their own collections, they’ve learned the pieces become quite the conversation piece. Even the biggest art fanatics will find plenty to unpack in an original Pigcasso. Honestly, we think she’s really setting a new bar for famous pigs. I mean Wilbur and Babe really can’t compete. I mean, Wilbur had Charlotte do all his work for him and Babe… well.

For those of us who can’t afford an original, Pigcasso prints are also available for purchase in support of the sanctuary.

In looking ahead, Pigcasso’s career remains on fire and she’s looking to put her mark on the world’s art show scene perhaps even making a journey stateside to Miami in the coming year.

If you’re living room is missing that statement artwork for your next cocktail party, we highly recommend Pigcasso’s work. To purchase a piece of your own or to support Farm Sanctuary, S.A. visit www.pigcasso.org. If you have a pet or farm animal that you think has a talent that rivals this lovely swine, then give us a call. We’d love to interview them too!