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The Swan and the Blackbird

The Swan and the Blakbird
Originally uploaded by chankins

Like all moms I was looking at my four lovely rugrats and I thought- wow, where did the time go? They are no longer lap children...in fact they hardly fit on my lap. Even my youngest- my mommy magnet, no longer sticks to me like glue. So I had this moment of sadness because those baby days are gone...not that I miss the diapers, lack of sleep, and 3 a.m. feedings, but because It went by in a blink. I drew this picture about bed time and when my kids used to fall asleep in my arms. When you are in the middle of it- taking care of babies ,you just want to get through the day. I say this because I had 4 children under 5 years of age and was constantly moving...no time to smell the roses or even consider how lovely they all were. This piece is about all the good and the hardship that we endure while raising little ones. The swan represents the beauty and the blackbird the hardships.

The Big Easy

Bourbon Street
Originally uploaded by chankins

I just returned from my first visit to New Orleans. I went to see the Vagina Monologues tenth anniversary show with a few family members. The show also happened to be on the same weeked as the French Quarter festival...so let's just say there was a party atmosphere. But in New Orleans the party never really stops. I almost didn't make it at all...I was one of those American Airlines tragedies-mine not so bad as many others. I ended up getting new and expensive tickets on another airline thanks to my very generous husband, who I think was determined to have me out of the house.


I arrived before the rest of my family-we were flying in from all parts of the country to meet. My room at the hotel wasn't ready, so I stored my bags and walked down to Bourbon Street. It was only a few minutes from my hotel. Bourbon Street definitely lived up to it's reputation. It was bar after bar with strip clubs in between. Everyone was walking around the street with drink in hand and having a ball...and this was at about 11 a.m.- I can only imagine what Mardi Gras must look like!

I took a ton of photos... lord knows I needed some inspiration and a break from Minnesota grey. I love the color of the old buildings , the shutters and the hidden courtyards. The balconies were beautiful and well utilized on Bourbon Street. I walked until I had blisters on every inch of my feet. For some reason cute shoes were just not meant for long walks...go figure!

We went to a flea market near the french Market where I took a picture of these masks. Later while having lunch, I spied this hearse decorated with all kinds of crazy things. I thought that the flamingos were an especially nice touch. I think that I will have to add a couple to my next painting.

I also took many pictures of balconies and anything with greenery on it. I think that I really need spring to come... and soon!

Falling Slowly

I was craving romance like I crave chocolate with this piece. I tried to think of a romantic scene involving a couple that maybe just met or possibly have known each other for a long time. It could be anyones story really. I have been married for 15 years and have a handful of kids so those romantic moments can be fleeting. But I have to say that when they happen they are highly appreciated!

Waiting Line

Waiting Line
Originally uploaded by chankins

I think that I am on a roll. I worked on this piece for most of the week. It is kind of frivolous. I wanted to add elements that are around me all of the time. I also collect Chinese lanterns and wanted to include them. They are fun to hang and are so colorful. They also make me think of summer and sitting out on my porch before the mosquitos come around for dinner. My pets have been included as well. Sam, my English pointer, spends the better part of the day following me around waiting for food or just trying to figure out where to plant himself to be in close proximity. I also added my cat...she spends most of the day sleeping or trying o attack my feet. The coffee is a staple because I am not actually human until I have my first cup...just ask my kids.

Summer Dream

Summer Dream
Originally uploaded by chankins

I am waiting with baited breath for spring to come. We had another snow storm at the beginning of the week and all I could think about was how wrong snow in April is. Fortunately, I can imagine what it would feel like to sip wine and dip my feet in a lake with the sun shining overhead. This piece is about warmer fronts, cute red dresses, and taking a moment to relax.

Here Comes the Sun...

Inspiration can come from almost anywhere but it can be hard to come by when you are cooped up for many long months. Just when I am at the end of my frozen rope we take a trip to warmer weather. My family and I are spending spring break in sunny southern California with my parents. When we stepped off the plane it was a staggering 50 degree difference in temperature. Eighty felt so hot! But who am I to complain? We have been enjoying the luxury of warm weather ever since!

I have been missing all things green and am so ready to throw some plants into the ground and say helloooo color! But since the ground is still frozen I guess my quest will have to wait. Until then, I have been taking some pics of my moms garden digs this week to get me into gear for spring.

There are so many little treasures to be found hidden around here. I love this birdhouse shaped like a church and hidden in the palms. It makes me think of unknown tropical places. maybe some of these shapes will start to crop up in my spring paintings.

Trouble Me

I have been working on a piece about a couple. I was thinking about how hard communication can be no matter how many years you have been together. While I was working I was listening to 10,000 Maniacs unplugged and the song Trouble Me came on. It seemed to suit the couple in the work and thus the title was born. It has been my experience that we do not always share and need to trouble one another with our problems.

Some of the elements in the painting were derived from pictures of a street bazaar in Marakesh...like the picture of the chicken. I began to think about a back alley, maybe behind a club where the couple performed. I added some elements that I thought worked as metaphor- like the instruments. When they are played well and in sync how beautiful they are or how on the other hand, if out of tune, what complete mess they are.

Roll On...

Now that my 15 minutes are up I thought I'd get back to work. I just finished this piece and am trying to come up with a suitable title. My life has been a wee bit stressful lately...I think the birds represent my children, lovely hungry little things who like lots of attention and to be driven to many places. I drew them as birds so they could fly themselves to their various activities and leave me to my latte!

15 Minutes of Fame

Andy Warhol once said that everyone is entitled to 15 minutes of fame- or something to that effect. I did an interview and a photo shoot a few months ago for a local magazine- Maple Grove Magazine. It was a lot of fun. We discussed my work, my inspiration and the balancing act that is motherhood. About a month after the interview a photographer came and took pictures of me in my natural habitat- a.k.a. my home studio. It was more work to pose for a good shot than I would have expected- you definitely won't be seeing me on America's Next Top Model anytime soon. We ended up with a few good shots including one with me wearing my filthy apron and my hands covered in pastel chalk. As it turns out that particular shot made the cover of the magazine. My only request to the photographer was that he was generous with the airbrush tool in photoshop. I was hoping for fewer crows feet.

I had no idea the issue was out until I walked into my hair salon and everybody knew me...wierd! Anyway, my kids have decided that I'm famous-maybe they will listen to me now. I decided that I will enjoy my fifteen minutes until times up!

Little Pockets of Happiness

I just finished a book called Water for Elephants.It was a great story about an old man remembering his life working on the circus trains. I'm not necessarily a circus person,but when I opened the book I was immediately sucked in. There is a line in the story that struck a chord in me,it referred to the old man's moments of clarity in remembering his past as little pockets of happiness. It made me think about my own pockets of happiness like eating icecream,a good latte or enjoyng the fleeting calm moments with my children. I just finished this pastel and it reflects on just those things.

Momentary Pause

I thought that I would post a piece that I just completed. It is about being still and taking a pause from the hectic flow of life. Hmmm....That almost sounds spiritual. I like the idea of just being. I know that my life is filled with children and the activities that come with them, but lately I have felt the need to slow down the pace and take things one step at a time. The image itself is full of pattern and color, but the figure is taking a pause from the insanity of life.

Two Ladies and A Dog

I have been slaving away in the warmth of my studio avoiding the bitter cold of another lovely Minnesota winter. I just completed this as yet untitled pastel on paper. I am calling it Two Ladies and a Dog until I can think of a better title. The image reminds me of when I used to have play dates with my kids. The poses of the figures look to me like they are straining to hear if their kids are crying in another room. I switched my usual wine bottle for an Italian Soda...I found a new love. But the standard coffee cup is still floating on my usual mess of things. The color combination is a bit seventies to me, but I like it.

Manly Man

I am continuing my work on my current comission project. The first version of my loving couple needed some tweaking. I knew I was in trouble when my ten year old daughter came into my studio and commented, "Why is the lady sitting on another ladies' lap?

She spoke what I was thinking and my client noticed the lack of manliness too. I should definitely start drawing more men in my images. So I went into another round of sketches and also looked closely at images of men. When I finished I asked the advice of my toughest critics...my kids. I got a thumbs up from the ten year old. She thought the man looked muscular and she liked his hair. I thought he turned out pretty darn cute too. Below is the final version.

January Work

It's been a while since I have posted, but believe it or not I am actually working. I have been toiling over a commission for a while and have finally completed it. There are a total of four pieces, with three being custom and one that had been completed previously.

This one is titled Lola's Beginning and is the main piece of the commission because it is the most personal image to the buyer. She is currently awaiting the birth of her first child, while at the same time renovating her Skin Care Clinic with her husband. She wanted the piece to have elements relating to what was happening in their lives around the time of her pregnancy.

The baby is represented as the little bean form held in her hand. The sort of heart shaped chair represents their union and love. Her husband has a son from a previous marriage- he is the one snowboarding off of to the right. Their dog is on the left looking for some attention and trying to get in on the action. My client owns land in a tropical area and wanted that represented as well-hence the palms and the tropical bird. There are also a few hidden symbols in the picture that represent unity( look for the infinity signs hidden in the flooring).

The next two images are smaller and are more representative of the clientele at the clinic. Many are independent women taking some time to care for themselves. I wanted the images to reflect that kind of confidence.

The final image that I am posting was not commissioned but purchased directly from the studio to be the main piece one would see as you enter the office. This piece is titled The Secret. I personally love the composition of this and I love how the colors are so bright considering how dull the landscape looks around this time of year in Minnesota. I have all of my favorite elements in this piece...my dog Sam,my Chinese lantern and of course my caffeinated beverage. I've also started adding this tea pot form that I like for whatever reason.