The Art of Compassion Project: Creating a better world for animals

September 10, 2018 0 By Emma Letessier

Originally from South Africa, Leigh Sanders has spent the past 14 years on the idyllic Costa Brava in Catalonia, Spain with her husband. She became vegan nearly two years ago following a period of time as a vegetarian and a series of serendipitous events.

The Art of Compassion Project

The Art of Compassion Project started off as an idea Leigh had had for a vegan art book. After the charity Veganuary helped her switch to veganism, she was so impressed by the support Veganuary gives people wanting to go vegan (or at the very least try vegan for the month of January) that she decided she wanted to raise funds for them.“I have a physical disability which forced me to find a way to become an activist from my desk. I love art, so I started thinking about combining art and veganism. One thing led to another and the idea for the book was born. There was such an incredibly overwhelming response that the initial idea just grew and has become The Art of Compassion Project. It’s my aim to raise money for at least one different vegan non-profit each year”.

: ‘Sacrifice’ by Jane O’Hara

: ‘Wilbur’ by Twyla Francois

: ‘Offerings Series’ by Yvette Watt

: ‘Becoming History’ – by Nicola McLean

: ‘Bobby Calf’ by Martinez de Lecea

: ‘Forest Girl’ by Lynda Bell

: ‘Maribeth’ by Paula Menetrey

: ‘Cage Bird’ by Julia Beutling

: ‘A bit of skirt’ by Karen Lyttle

: ‘Dinnertime’ by Ellyn Dana

The Art of Compassion Project’s logo was designed by Argentinian artist Francisco Atencio and symbolises their mission, which is to promote equality and compassion for all animals.

In order to find the artists and be able to create the book, Leigh initially contacted vegan artists through a Google search. She was then introduced to others through the artists she’d contacted and it snowballed from there. The artwork includes sketches, paintings in acrylic, oils, watercolours, collage, pastel work, pencil drawings, photography, digital art, installation art, soft sculpture, and fabric painting from 100 artists spread all across the world and over every continent, many of whom are keen to participate in future Art of Compassion projects.

“It’s my hope that a person will be able to pick up the art book, leaf through the 200 images and be touched by at least one, if not more of them and to then really reflect on the message behind the image and question their personal choices; whether to eat meat, consume dairy, wear fur, take their children to zoos, buy products that have been tested on animals.

“I believe art is powerful in its gentleness. It presents -itself honestly and openly, allowing the viewer to take as much or as little as they are ready for from it.”

The Art of Compassion Project has now been featured in several international vegan and veggie festivals.

Leigh is always on the lookout for any vegan involved in the arts; visual, music, writers, jewellery designers, fashion designers, photographers, poets, etc., to join the project. Volunteers with a passion for veganism are also most welcome to get in touch with Leigh via email.

To find out how you can support the project visit the Art of Compassion website and connect via Facebook, Twitter or email.

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Emma Letessier

Barefoot Vegan was founded and is edited and designed by Emma Letessier. Emma is a blogger, life-coach and qualified PR professional and journalist, who also happens to be a passionate vegan, animal and nature lover. She lives in a small village in France with her husband, daughter and their rescue animals at the Barefoot Vegan Farm and Animal Sanctuary. As a writer, Emma’s work has been featured in other popular well-being and spiritual websites such as Elephant Journal, IVORY magazine, and she’s part of the Huffington Post’s team of regular bloggers. Her writing was also included in the Tiny Buddha book 365 Love Challenges from Tiny Buddha, released in 2015 by HarperCollins.