Sacramento CA USA
Written by Sason Bishope Parry
Some artists are simply gifted, and their talent is evident in every stroke of the brush or note played. But then there are those rare artists whose creativity is fueled by a deep sense of purpose—a calling that transcends their art and touches the lives of others. Jen Swift is one of those rare souls. She’s not just an incredibly talented painter; she’s a passionate vegan, animal lover, and activist. Her art is a reflection of her compassion for animals and the natural world, and through her work, she hopes to change how people see animals—one painting at a time.
From the moment Jen could hold a crayon, she has been creating. Whether it was scribbling on paper, animal coloring books, painting large-scale murals, or crafting the collections of animal art series she now is adorned with, Jen’s artistic journey began early and has continued with unwavering passion. What makes her work truly unique, however, is the cause that drives it. As a devoted vegan and animal rights activist, Jen has channeled her love for animals into her art, using her incredible talent to shine a light on the lives of creatures often overlooked or exploited by humans.
A Passion for Animals, A Purpose in Art
At the heart of Jen’s work is her deep love for animals, especially those that are often raised for food. Her art beautifully portrays these creatures, not as commodities or an “it” but as living, feeling beings deserving of kindness and respect. Her paintings often feature pigs, cows, chickens, lambs, rabbits, and other farm animals in joyful, liberated settings—depictions of what their lives could and should be. Each piece radiates happiness, showing these animals as they deserve to be: free, thriving, and full of life. Her brushstrokes capture the warmth and soul of these creatures, turning her art into a powerful statement about compassion and empathy.
Jen’s preferred mediums include acrylics, watercolors, and collages, but she’s constantly experimenting with new techniques and materials. For her, the creative process is almost meditative, a way to connect with the universe and express the beauty she sees in the world. Every time she starts a new piece, it feels like a gift from and to the cosmos, channeled through her love for animals and nature. “Each painting feels like a conversation between me and the universe, a message of love and respect for all living beings,” Jen explains. “I’m an open portal, and it flows from the universe through me to the world.”
Nature as Inspiration and Solace
Much of Jen’s art is inspired by the natural world, which has always been her sanctuary. Growing up in rural New Hampshire, she found peace and joy in the forests, fields, and animals around her. It’s this deep connection to nature that drives her creative vision and her activism.
“When I’m painting animals or landscapes, it brings me back to my roots,” Jen says. “It’s a calming experience that reminds me of the importance of being kind to animals and the Earth itself. For me, kindness to all means kindness to all living beings—animals, trees, and our planet. They should be allowed to thrive without human interference. I’ve always been a tree hugger at heart.”
Her love of nature also extends to her Sanctuary Series, where she focuses on animals who have been rescued from the cruelty of factory farming and now live in peace at sanctuaries. This series is where Jen’s passion truly shines. Each painting tells the story of an animal who has beaten the odds, capturing their newfound freedom and safety. The Sanctuary Series is a way for Jen to honor the animals who have been saved while also raising awareness for those still in need.
Giving Back Through Art
Jen’s commitment to animal welfare goes beyond her artwork. Through her Paint Party Fundraisers, she partners with animal sanctuaries to raise both awareness and funds for their essential work. A portion of the proceeds from her Sanctuary Series goes directly to these sanctuaries, supporting the dedicated people who care for these rescued animals.
“The humans and animals I meet at these sanctuaries inspire me deeply,” Jen shares. “Their stories, their resilience—it’s what fuels my art. I want people who view my paintings to see these animals as the individuals they are, each with their own story and spirit.”
For Jen, when someone purchases one of her paintings, it’s more than just buying a piece of art. It’s about keeping the story of that animal alive, serving as a conversation starter about the plight of farm animals and the importance of compassion. Her work is a visual reminder of the ongoing fight for justice for animals, and she hopes that each painting can inspire others to reflect on the way we treat animals and the natural world.
More Than Paintings: Cards and Holiday Cheer
In addition to her original paintings, Jen creates greeting cards featuring her animal portraits. These aren’t just any cards; they serve as little ambassadors for the animals they depict. Each card is a way to spread the message of compassion and introduce more people to the sanctuaries she works with. Whether it’s a Christmas card featuring a joyful pig or a Halloween greeting with a playful chicken, Jen’s cards are a fun, accessible way to share her art and message with the world.
Jen takes great joy in creating these holiday-themed pieces, drawing on the nostalgia of childhood and the simple pleasures of the holidays. Many people have come to collect her cards year after year, and knowing her art brings joy to others during the holiday season is one of her greatest rewards. “My wish for the holidays is for people to remember the magic and innocence of youth,” Jen says. “Through my art, I want to spark joy and remind people of the carefree fun we had as kids.”
A Voice for the Voiceless
At the core of Jen’s work is a deep desire to be a voice for the voiceless. Her art speaks on behalf of the animals who cannot advocate for themselves, turning each piece into a message of hope and change. Her art has no bounds, unburdened by corporate demands or monetary motives. For Jen, the goal is simple: to create art that changes lives, whether it’s the lives of the animals she paints or the people who are moved by her work. It’s about fostering a deeper connection between humans, animals, and the Earth and about spreading the message that all beings deserve love and respect.
Looking Ahead: More Art, More Change
Jen Swift’s journey is far from over. With each new painting, she continues to raise awareness, inspire compassion, and help animals one brushstroke at a time. As a vegan, activist, and artist, she is dedicated to using her platform to educate, inspire, and advocate for a kinder, more compassionate world. “I truly believe that art can change the world,” Jen says. “It can open hearts, start conversations, and inspire action. If my art can make even one person think differently about animals or the environment, then I know I’ve made a difference.”
With her passion and talent, there’s no doubt that Jen Swift is making a profound impact on both the art world and the world of animal advocacy. Her work reminds us of nature’s beauty, the importance of kindness, and the power of art to inspire change.
Jen Swift is an artist on a mission, and we can’t wait to see where her creativity and compassion will take her next.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with the fantastic and talented vegan artist Jen Swift and talk about her art and the vegan lifestyle.
Sason Bishope Parry: How are you, and how is life?
Jen Swift: I am well! Busy and happy!
SBP: When did you become Vegan?
JS: I first went vegan in the early 90s when I was in college, but it didn’t stick. I wasn’t ready, and I didn’t have the resources or support that are available to people today. I think it is important to mention this because people need to be gentle with themselves and not think that one, two, or three missteps mean they’re not supposed to go vegan. We don’t live in a vegan world, and most of us were not raised vegan, so we need to take our time and ease into this new way of being. This is what happened to me, although I didn’t realize it at the time! I went vegetarian in 1990. It was the Spring of my freshman year in college. We were having lobsters for Easter dinner (I grew up in New England). I shelled the whole lobster, looked across the table at my mother, and she said, it’s OK! You don’t have to eat it! She knew before I did that, the day was coming when I would no longer eat meat. You see, unconsciously, I had been systematically removing animals from my diet! First, it was beef, I just couldn’t even put it on my plate. Then, slowly, all the other animals were given a pass at the dinner table. I think I was down to tuna fish, turkey, and chicken breast meat only, as
well as quick Chix in the college cafeteria, which was a deep-fried chicken burger and maybe haddock. Shelling that lobster was cathartic! That was a whole animal on my plate that I ripped apart! But I was still eating cow’s milk and cheese and chicken eggs. I didn’t give these up for two more years, I think. But it didn’t last! I had found the yummy chicken burger replacements that honestly tasted just as good to me as the originals, but the cheese was a real problem! Now I know, an actual addiction from the casomorphins! There were no vegan cheeses available to me in New Hampshire back then, and honestly, being a college student and working, if it wasn’t fast and easy, it just wasn’t going to happen! So, I remained vegetarian until I heard about a 30-day vegan cleanse, which I started in January 2011. I had already been having soy milk, tofu, and, tempeh and lots of vegetarian meats, but most of them had egg whites and/or dairy in them. I ate mostly whole foods after the cleanse but then incorporated more of the vegan meats and cheeses as some of my old favorite brands removed the animal products and the vegan cheeses had gotten tastier.
SBP: How did you get into art and painting?
JS: I really don’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing, painting, or creating things! I do remember getting Peanuts books from the library and copying the pictures in them when I was 5 or 6. And making little dolls out of felt and wire, drawing their faces with magic markers! I always had watercolor paints and sketchbooks full of drawings. I was the one in school who you asked to do the drawings for a project, make posters for an event, or put up a bulletin board for a teacher. I was always making something! It was more of a need than a want! I was a very slow reader, which made all subjects difficult for me but any chance to draw or make things and I was all in! I remember one time my art teacher had us cut pictures out of old magazines to make a collage. My teacher said my collage could have come out of any art magazine. I was so proud! I took as many art classes as were offered at my high school. I started as an Art Ed major in college but at the end of my sophomore year I was doing so poorly, I thought I was too dumb, I wanted to quit! That was when I tested for learning disabilities and found out I was a textbook case for them, apparently very common with artistic people. They don’t know if the artistic parts of my brain overcompensate for the shortcomings in other areas or if being naturally artistic, the other parts of my brain developed differently. This gave me great relief and enough confidence to stay in school, but I changed my major to a Bachelor’s degree in art with a concentration in drawing and a Minor in Women’s Studies. I loved all my art classes; my last few paintings of my senior year are still among my favorites.
SBP: You could have chosen any style of painting, why animals and nature?
JS: I have always loved nature, animals, being outside, the solitude and quiet of the woods. I grew up in the country you couldn’t see another house from ours. I think painting from nature brings me back to that quiet and centers me. I could just draw and paint trees for the rest of my life and be happy! Trees don’t need anything from humans except to be left alone and for their environment not to be destroyed and just look at how glorious and strong they are. Wild animals are the same, leave them and their space alone and they thrive. Ideally farmed animals wouldn’t exist. But we created them, made them dependent on us so we need to care for them. I think my wanting to share my paintings of farmed animals is to get
people to realize how similar they are to us. They have names, they have friends, they have families or had families who cared about them and who they miss! They get hot, cold, hungry, sad, bored, angry, happy, joyful! They feel pain and loss and fear! They suffer!
SBP: What do you call your style?
JS: I haven’t really labeled my style of art. My watercolor paintings and drawings are very different from my acrylic paintings and collages. They are all whimsical and joyful and full of color, that’s what resonates with me through all my art. I want people to be happy when they view my art and for it to bring joy. I think that sticks with people, conjures positive feelings.
SBP: Have you always wanted to be an artist?
JS: Yes! Absolutely! I never wanted to be anything else! My mom wanted me to be an art teacher so I’d have a consistent income but that didn’t work out!
SBP: What inspires you and your art daily?
JS: For my Sanctuary Series it is definitely the sanctuary animals themselves, their resilience and ability to trust humans again, that they can be silly and joyful now that they are safe. Most sanctuary animals have come from deplorable conditions, factory farms, research labs, fighting rings, hoarding cases, over breading, neglect, etc. Only a lucky few have been born at a sanctuary when their mothers have been taken in while pregnant. Also the humans that run, work and volunteer at these sanctuaries, not only advocating and caring for the animals but doing work in their communities to make them better places for everyone to live. All the members of the sanctuaries really fuel my passion to do more work!
My Halloween and Christmas Series have been created and added to each year from wanting to share my love of the Holidays! I share a new Halloween card and Christmas card every year and many people send them to their family and friends which makes me so happy!
SBP: You also organize events to benefit animal welfare organizations, tell us about that?
JS: I have partnered with Sanctuaries to do Paint Party Fundraisers for them. I create a painting of one of the Sanctuary residences. People join us at the sanctuary usually for a tour to meet the animals, some drinks and refreshments and I lead them step by step through a portrait painting session. Sometimes the painters have their picture taken with the portrait subject and their painting which I love. Everyone goes home with their own portrait of the animal of honor. It’s a fun day filled with laughter, lots of stories about the animals and lots of friendly banter about the paintings! The sanctuary then receives my original painting that is usually auctioned off at a future event. I give the sanctuary 20% of my profits from the sale of their animal’s paintings, prints and greeting cards. It is a great way to get support without just asking for donations. Most sanctuaries are completely reliant on donations so any way we can get more funds in their hands is a win!
SBP: Do you think that Veganism is growing?
JS: I do! However, it’s moving slowly and certainly not as fast as vegans would like! I think with climate change, people being directly affected by hotter summers, more flooding, more severe storms, forest fires they are finally seeing the connection of the way the live their daily lives and what they consume and how it affects their own personal environment. Unfortunately, the animal welfare and healthy eating routes are not getting through to enough people but when humans are uncomfortable never mind being in direct danger they will want to change!
SBP: Who is your biggest inspiration?
JS: I could say artists like Mary Cassat, Georgia O’Keeffe, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Edgar Degas who have all influenced my painting or Dr Suess for his whimsy and originality, Eric Carl for his mastery of homemade paper and collage, Charles Schulz for his nostalgia of childhood ( I have countless books, ornaments, trinkets and every movie and TV special ever made of Peanuts!) but I would have to say as far as the direction I would like my art to go Beatrix Potter is my biggest inspiration! I adore her watercolors of animals and the stories about them. She started off making greeting cards and went on to produce a whole series of books and merchandise to go along with them all as a single woman working in the late 1890s and 1900s! She left 4,000 acres of land to The British National Trust which became a part of the Lake District National Park.
SBP: What is your favorite animal?
JS: 1 Pigs for sure! A close up of a pig’s eye looks exactly like a humans! The pigs I know are sassy and know how to get what they want! One pig in particular has been my muse. Her name is Ethel, she lives at Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary in Stockton, Ca. She had been in a lab having experiments done on her. Can you imagine? Well, that girl is the sassiest, take control, I do what I want soul I have ever met! She rules the roost at Harvest Home! I think she is so amazing for her resilience! She has been the subject of a Paint Party Fundraiser I did with Harvest Home and two of my annual Christmas cards and two ornaments!
SBP: Besides painting, do you have other passions and dreams?
Does sampling all the vegan food count? Seriously, I have always had a passion for protecting our planet and I would like to incorporate this into my artwork more.
SBP: Where can people buy and see your art? Do you also do custom paintings?
JS: My prints and greeting cards can be purchased directly from my shop on my website, https://www.jenswiftartist.com/shop/
and at many Northern California Vegfests and events which I always post on Instagram and Facebook, both are @jenswiftartist
Inquiries on original artwork and commissions can be sent to me by email: jen@jenniferswift.com
SBP: What’s next for JEN SWIFT?
JS: I am seeing A Birthday Card series, more products that will bring people into veganism, animal welfare and saving our planet in fun ways.
For more info on Jen Swift go to: www.jenniferswift.com
