Twyla Francois

Manitoba, Canada

She previously worked as Head of Investigations (Canada) for the international organization Animals’ Angels, and Canadian-based organizations Canadians for Ethical Treatment of Farmed Animals, the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition, and Mercy For Animals Canada.

Over the years, Twyla’s investigations have led to the closure of facilities, animal cruelty charges and convictions, and rescues of abused and neglected farmed animals. While Twyla’s investigative footage received some exposure in the media, she realized that the very people who would empathize with the animals’ suffering and take action were often turning away from the graphic evidence before absorbing the message. She wondered if art, with its ability to be softer but equally as effective, could be a way to reach this audience. She tentatively began releasing her paintings in 2015 and reports that the response has been heartening.

Photo credit: JoAnne McArthur