Teffany's Art & Soul

In Memory of "Kitty"

2012-02-11T17:52:00.000-08:00

I awake.... and yet I still yearn to sleep.... Escape

Shaking hands, a trembling heart

Tears return again..... Nightime sings...

and I hope for his return

In memory of my lost cat

"Kitty"

Missing since 1/28/2012

The Artist "Self Portrait"

2011-09-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

"The Artist" (Self Portrait) SOLD!

I love the simplicity of this painting, the subdued background and muted olive tones mixed with a bit of buttercup yellow. Most of all, the emotion it provokes from my viewers in general; laughter and smiles. It is quite symbolic of my personality. A bit of a show off...., and I somehow naturally seem to find my head in the sand more often then not. Artist Teffany Ingram

Out Of The Darkness

2011-08-26T22:47:00.000-07:00

PRINTS AVAILABLE (Click On Purple Link Below)

"Out Of The Darkness" 8" x 8" Acrylic painting on canvas panel.

A painting should move the viewer, strike emotion and feeling. This one symbolizes one whom is pulling away and out of darkness. Whatever that maybe; depression, fear, a shadowed past, addiction... and so on. The darkness is behind her and her face is drawn towards the light to represent change.

Artist Teffany Ingram
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80571319/out-of-the-darkness-giclee-print-limited

Stella

2011-08-22T19:48:00.001-07:00

SOLD! PRINTS ARE AVAILABLE
(Click on the purple link below)http://www.etsy.com/listing/80537128/stella-limited-edition-giclee-8-x-8

"Stella"

Inspired by Blance Duboise's character in "The Street Car Named Desire."

Wildflower

2011-08-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

"Wildflower" 8" x 8" Acrylic painting on canvas panel PRINTS AVAILABLE (Click on purple link below)

I guess you could say I am untamed.... A little crazy, and a very passionate person. My thoughts are all over the place from one moment to the next. My moods are so transparent, so raw and sensitive I cannot conform to any one field of people.

Arist Teffany Ingram http://www.etsy.com/listing/80825783/wildflower-limited-edition-giclee-print

Unspoken

2011-08-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

"Unspoken" 8" x 8" Acrylic painting on canvas panel.

This paining was created from so much emotion within me. There is a pain of unspoken words hidden within her expression.

Artist Teffany Ingram

True Blue

2011-08-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

"Madonna" 8" x 8" Acrylic painting on canvas panel

PRINTS AVAILABLE (Click on purple link below)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80825295/madonna-true-blue-giclee-limited-edition

Inspired by Madonna's "True Blue" Album Cover

Ivy

2011-08-14T00:22:00.000-07:00

"Poison Ivy" FOR SALE! CLICK ON LINK BELOW

"She's pretty as a daisy, but look out man she's crazy. She'll really do you in if you let her get under your skin."

(Rolling Stones - Poison Ivy Lyrics)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/87782642/poison-ivy-unique-one-of-a-kind-framed

Gypsy

2011-08-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

"GYPSY"

This haunting original. Is one of my favorite paintings. The original has sold, but PRINTS AVAILABLE
(Click On Purple Link Below)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80538339/gypsy-giclee-art-print-limited-edition

FIRE

2011-08-14T00:17:00.000-07:00

"Fire" 8" x 8" Acrylic painting on canvas panel
http://www.etsy.com/listing/87781033/fire-glamour-girl-framed-painting

Emma

2011-08-14T00:09:00.000-07:00

"Emma" FOR SALE! Click on purple link below.

8" x 8" Acrylic painting on canvas panel.

"If a woman rebels against high-heeled shoes, she should take care to do it in a very smart hat."
George Bernard Shaw Quote (Critic and Playwright) http://www.etsy.com/listing/86432990/emma-original-painting-8-x-8

Rolling In The Deep

2011-08-14T00:02:00.000-07:00

"Adele" 8" x 8" Acrylic painting on canvas panel

"You could have had it all..... Rolling in the deep. You had my heart inside of your hand but you played it, You played it, you played it, You played it to the beat."

Adele - Rolling In The Deep Lyrics

I wish I had a little lamb.......

2011-06-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

"Snuggles"

8" X 8" Acrylic painting on canvas panel.

Sometimes you just want to snuggle up with something warm and cuddly. I wish I had a little lamb...... His fleece would be white as snow..... As the song goes....

Artist Teffany Ingram

GINGER

2011-04-23T22:45:00.000-07:00

"GINGER" 6" x 6" Acrylic on stretched canvas. #3 of four paintings for the Village Of The Arts Gallery 2011 Art Challenge

"And then these were cats, thought Dog. He'd suprised the huge ginger cat from next door and had attempted to reduce it to cowering jelly by means of the usual glowing stare and deep-throated growl, which had always worked on the damned in the past. This time they had earned him a whack on the nose that had made his eyes water. Cats, Dog considered, were clearly a lot tougher than lost souls. He was looking forward to a further cat experiment, which he planned would consist of jumping around and yapping excitedly at it. It was a long shot, but it just might work."

Terry Pratchett: Quote from his novel Good Omens

Kitty's Aura

2011-04-12T22:33:00.000-07:00

Inspired by my Kitty whom has brought so much joy and healing into my life, and home. He is so full of positive energy that when I pet him I feel like I am being plugged into happy purrrring. My minds I sees so many beautiful colors illuminating from him I just had to paint them, and share the love!

Whiskers

2011-04-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

"Whiskers"

#2 of #4

6" x 6" Acrylic paintings for The Village Of The Arts Gallery 2011 Art Challenge

I'm intrigued with whiskers.... The way they look and feel. They are so sensitive and seem to be alive like little antennas full of energy transmitting information to its host from the outside world. I don't care for men's whiskers... As far as I'm concerned they are quite useless, but a cat must have them. Can you even imagine a cat without them? They are magical to the touch. For it is as if I connect with the feline mind when I feel them if even for a moment. Kitty's don't like to have there whiskers stroked. They are hypersensitive to any physical contact, yet they are important wire like receptacles that have a survival mechanism built into them. I would like to be a cat for a day just for the sole purpose of experiencing the sensation of whiskers from a cat's point of view.

"With electricity we were wired into a new world, for electricity brought the radio, a "crystal set" and with enough ingenuity, one could tickle the crystal with a cat's whiskers and pick up anything"

Theodore White - American Politician - Journalist, Historian and novelist

Rhode Island Red

2011-01-25T16:30:00.000-08:00

"Rhode Island Red"

FOR SALE "Click on purple link below"

12 x 12" Arylic on stretched canvas

"Nice girl, but about as sharp as a bag of wet mice."

Foghorn Leghorn Rooster

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70271505/rhode-island-red-rooster-original

"Charlie"

2011-01-11T17:41:00.000-08:00

SOLD!

"CHARLIE"

5" x 7" Acrylic painting on canvas board

MAKE A WISH

2010-12-23T23:58:00.000-08:00

SOLD!

MAKE A WISH

8" X 8" Acrylic painting on wood board

"We can change our lives. We can do, have, and be exactly what we wish."

Tony Robbins

Dolly Llama

2010-08-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

SOLD!

"Dolly Llama" 8" x 8" Acrylic painting on wood board

2010 Sherwood, OR 20/40 Art challenge.

Inspired by my friend Pollyk, and watching too many funny Alpaca You Tube videos.

Mr. Blue Bird

2010-08-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

PRINTS AVAILABLE! CLICK ON LINK BELOW
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63790232/framed-print-grumpy-blue-bird-from

"Mr. Blue Bird"

Inspired by finding humor in the little things in life.

Bad, Bad LeRoy Brown.... Baddest rooster in the whole dang town

2010-08-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

SOLD!

"Bad, Bad LeRoy Brown" 8" x 8" Acrylic painting on wood board
2010 Sherwood, OR 20/40 Art Challenge

Inspired by that famous old song most of us old folks remember.

Betty Sue

2010-08-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

SOLD!

"Betty Sue" 8" x 8" Acrylic painting on wood board
2010 Sherwood, OR 20/40 Art Challenge.

Inspired by my Grandma Sylvia's personality

Some Pig!

2010-08-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

"Some Pig!" 8" x 8" Acrylic painting on wood board.
2010 Sherwood 20/40 Art Challenge.

Inspired by Wilber

Get Serious!

2010-08-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

"GET SERIOUS!!!!"

PRINTS AVAILABLE. Click on purple link below.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/85888916/get-serious-print-from-original-painting

Autumn Rooster

2009-11-25T18:37:00.000-08:00

Autumn Rooster, SOLD!

"I Like spring, but it is too young. I like summer, but it is too proud. So I like best of all autumn, because its tone is mellower, its colors are richer, and it is tinged with a little sorrow. Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring, nor the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age. It knows the limitations of life and its content."

Lin Yn-tang
1895-1976, Chinese Writer and Philologist
more famous quotes

WAKE UP!

2009-09-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

SOLD! #16 20/40 Sherwood, OR OdgePodge Gallery Art Challenge

"Wake Up!" 8" X 8" Acrylic on canvas panel. 09/09

How is it that a rooster knows how to tell time? I despise alarm clocks, and the shrilling sound of, "Cock-A-Doodle-Doo" is a head throbber for me. Early mornings have never been a talent of mine. Some people, like Mr. Rooster are naturally early to rise, and others are slow as molasses. Well.... I'm slower than molasses, and tar poured together, When I was a teenager I often missed the bus for obvious reasons. The poor old bus driver couldn't stand me. He used to yell at me when I'd be running a block behind pick up time, and always the last one on. "Wake up on time!" He'd crow! Looking back I feel guilty for putting him through so much misery. He didn't have to wait for me, but he always gave me an extra 4 minutes. He's the most tolerant rooster I've ever met.

God bless him!

MOTHER GOOSE

2009-09-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

#15 of 20/40 Art Challenge. OdgePodge Art Gallery

"Mother Goose" 8" X 8" Acrylic on canvas panel. 09/09

"For every ailment under the sun, There is a remedy, or there is none, If there be one, try to find it; If there be none, never mind it."

Mother Goose
more famous quotes

Kitty's Day At The Spa

2009-09-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, Kitty came upon an unsuspecting skunk on one of his afternoon journeys, and returned home looking as though he'd been caught in an angry wind. He slowly licked his battle wounds and could not hide the fragrance of shame his enemy had left behind. Unfortunately his new scent was not met with any applauds, and so he had to remain outside. After a few days I could no longer stand his sad little face looking at me with such abandonment from the back door window that I decided to invite him in for a day at the spa. My husband assured me that Kitty trusts and loves me most of all, and I was the only one to attempt this act of what I could only interpret as treason. I was afraid Kitty would never again return home after such treatment, but tarried onward. To my surprise he aloud me to bathe him. A pitiful look of contempt hung on his face, but never the less obliged my request with as much dignity as he could muster under the circumstance. At one point I thought he'd decided that he'd had enough water torture and was protesting when he lifted his body up out of the sink and reached for my neck. Instead he wrapped his dripping arms around my shoulders, nestled his head under my chin as he aloud me to wash his chest and stomach. All the while I spoke softly to him, telling him how pretty he is, how he's mommy's luvee and what a good-good kitty he is. Miracles do happen, and it is true acts of love that have the power to bring them to pass. I learned something about faith that afternoon, and the strength it gives us to face our fears........

MERCY

2009-09-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

SOLD! #10 of 20/40 Sherwood, Or, OdgePodge Gallery Art Challenge

"MERCY" 8" x 8" Acrylic on canvas panel. 08/09

"Teach me to feel another's woe. To hide the fault I see: That the mercy I show to others; that mercy also show to me. "

Alexander Pope
1688-1744, British Poet, Critic, Translator
more famous quotes

GRACE

2009-08-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

SOLD! "GRACE," 8"x 8' Acrylic on canvas panel. #1 of 20/40 Art Challenge. 08/2009

Oh, you weak, beautiful people who give up with such grace. What you need is someone to take hold of you - gently, with love, and hand your life back to you.

Tennessee Williams
American, Dramatist Quotes
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"Say hello to my little friend!"

2009-07-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

Jake & Ayden. TWO-OF-A-KIND!! 7/09

My son's friend for the past year has been Ayden, and I can't express what a joy it has been getting to know him. Though Jake, and Ayden together are not teacher's pets...... Understandably. I on the other hand being a visionary kind of parent have had to look on the outside too see in. Let me tell you about his little friend. He has this amazing sense of humor.... One-of-a-kind actually. He should write comedy for a living. I for one appreciate his sense of originality in his choice of clothes. One day he will be wearing a Polo shirt with plaid flannel shorts, the next a zombie t-shirt with a nice pear of black slacks. You just never know with this kid. He keeps me wondering what he's going to be wearing from one day to the next. Jake is attracted to good hearted people. Sometimes he may bring home a Raggedy Ann, or Andy but I can see that big red heart painted on their chest under their tattered shirts.

Love Mom

2009-07-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

Me & My Cousin Mysti when we were wee little sprouts. I was so proud of my pearly cat's eye glasses.

Your blog is so you. From the time you were a child I let you choose your own clothes and colors. I enjoyed watching your choices. Sometimes a little surprising, but I would get a good laugh. The bright colors, the checkered shirts with the striped skirts, it was always you. I wanted you to get your own imagination and your own self awareness. Shopping was always so fun for us. We shopped until we dropped. Not buying much, but looking and finding the best buys in town. Your 5 1/2 size shoe and my size 9. You always won out with a new pair because the small sizes were always left. How I always wanted to be a size 5 1/2! Only you and your great grandma Laura had that size. I wish I had kept her shoes for you... I will always regret you not knowing her. I cry as I write this as I wish she were here now, holding my hand and rubbing it in her own special way. I also have great memories of watching you play under the shade tree in Pendleton, with all your friends and all your dolls. Movies have always been a part of the lives of you and Mark. Dad is the beginner of all that, I have a hard time sitting still that long. I would rather be in the garden.

Love Mom

WISDOM

2009-07-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

WISDOM 6" X 4" Acrylic on canvas panel. 7/5/09

The soul is dyed the color of its thoughts. Think only on those things that are in line with your principles and can bear the light of day. The content of your character is your choice. Day by day, what you choose, what you think, and what you do is who you become. Your integrity is your destiny ... it is the light that guides your way.
Heraclitus
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http://www.etsy.com/listing/39461381/wisdosm-original-owl-painting-framed

OUTLAW PETE

2009-07-03T09:07:00.000-07:00

PRINTS AVAILABLE
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61671942/outlaw-pete-rabbit-print-from-original
He was born a little baby on the Appalachian Trail. At six months old he'd done three months in jail. He robbed a bank in his diapers and his little bare baby feet. All he said was "Folks, my name is Outlaw Pete." (Lyrics from Bruce Springsteen's song Outlaw Pete)

"A Snow Flake Falls In May"

2009-06-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

SOLD!

Nature is full of genius, full of the divinity; so that not a snowflake escapes its fashioning hand.

Henry David Thoreau
American, Author
more famous quotes

Inspired by fashion photos I had seen of Mary Kate Olsen. I love her bohemian style. She's so original, and doesn't give a hoot about what the critiques have to say about her. She's a free spirit!

Then one morning I was listening to a song by Pearl Jam (Man Of The Hour), and Eddy's soulful voice sang "And a snowflake falls in May." Wow! It's amazing how a few words of wisdom can birth vision in a person. So there you have it....... A little bit of Pearl Jam. A whole lot of feathers and fur, and an artist can give birth to a painting.

My Father Loved A Thistle

2009-06-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

SOLD!

"Sunflower" My very first painting 2000.

Die when I may, I want it said by those who knew me best that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.

Abraham Lincoln
American, President Quotes

My father Mark's wisdom is tested, and true. He is the most noble, honest, loyal, loving and virtuous man I know. I am so proud to call him dad. There was a time in my life I was menacing thistle, but dad had faith in me and what I could become....... And so he plucked that troublesome thorn, then prayed over it. He planted it with a Father's faith, and protected it with all of his love. His prayers brought forth a flower.

LESSONS OF LOVE

2009-06-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

My mom loves Bambi! Okay seriously, who doesn't? However, my mother is drenched in the after affects of too much Disney. I am grateful for all of the imagination she birthed in me throughout my life. She saw the softer side of life, and invited me into it. She taught me to accept people the way they were, to love the unloved and the unlovely. Her tender ways planted so many seeds in my heart, and the fruit of those blooms are full of grace. Her short little lessons in love held strong to my soul. Her teachings were like putting on a fuzzy pair of mittens. Once we were out shopping and came across a man in a wheelchair while standing in line. Mom didn't say a word, just gave me that don't stare kind of look. When we left she said, "You see that man in the wheelchair? Well he's just like you, never judge a person for being disabled." (and then I had to ask what disabled meant?) I thought about that man all day, and never forgot him since. The color of that memory hasn't faded into my 40's. The small town I was raised in had a family of Albino people living there. I remember them so distinctively. Not just because of how they looked, but because of the way they were treated. The stares, the whispers, the pointing fingers and because I noticed nobody talked to them. Once while my mother and I saw them in town. She looked at them for a moment, then glanced at me. She whispered, "Aren't they beautiful!"

That's the kind of mother I have. She's a sweet soul! Because of her I learned to search a man's heart before you judge him. She had the ability to see through a child's eyes, and read life with a child's heart. Thanks Mom for the many virtues you instilled within me. I Love You.

OMG !!!! IT'S MY TWIN

2009-05-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

IF I COULD DESCRIBE MY PERSONALITY IN A PICTURE..... THIS WOULD BE IT!!!! TOTALLY!!!

photobucket.com

Sugie Bird Makes A Friend

2009-05-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

MY NEWEST WORK
"Kitty introduces himself" Hand Painted Special For Auntie Sharon XOXO

I'M JUST BEING A BOOB

2009-05-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

"It's Been One Of Those Days." 4" x 6" Acrylic on stretched canvas 2009

Grandma Sylvia used to get the blues from time-to-time. Her tears were sweet as could be....... Quiet little things that whispered sad songs. She always kept a box of Kleenex by her chair, and used them often. "Grandma, why are you crying?" I'd ask. She always responded the same, no matter what the reason. "I'm just being a boob." She'd sniffle.

Now that I'm OLD I understand those blues. Menopause sucks! I've been warned about it's coming since way back. Heard my Aunt's go on-and-on about the miseries of it, and it seems my mother still suffers in her 60's. Will it ever end? The tears just seem to come out of no where. Dames, that's the thing about us. We can cry a bucket, and an hour later you'd never know what just happened.

HABITS ARE FIRST COBWEBS, THEN CABLES.

2009-05-05T23:46:00.001-07:00

Surely all art is the result of one's having been in danger, of having gone through an experience all the way to the end, where no one can go any further.

Rainer Maria Rilke
1875-1926, German Poet
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The Magic Man

2009-04-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

Deep breathe..............and sigh. I have to get myself centered this morning. My thoughts and head are spinning around so many subjects. My first grounded thought is of my husband. How does he do it? I will call him "The Magic Man." He keeps things together and from falling apart no matter how difficult, stressful, complicated, distracting, menacing or painful life can be. He somehow manages to find a way to complete his tasks, and take care of us all. A simple example of his tenacity; Kitty wears a hot pink collar. He's a male cat, but he is no ordinary feline so a hot bright pink necklace seemed appropriate. Kitty has been scratching at it, and now it appears he has a pretty mane of neon hair growing around his neck. I was going to throw the pitiful thing away last week, but Dayne was certain he could salvage it. It started with a small adjustment one day, but then I saw him fiddling with it again yesterday morning. LOL We aren't living in the depression (yet) and we can afford a new one at the dollar store. Dayne is determined however to not give up. He never does. (Excerpt from My Morning Pages January 15, 2008)
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PETE'S POND

2009-02-19T17:19:00.000-08:00

Pete's Pond was a little restaurant tucked away in a garden like setting surrounding a large pond filled with a dreamy assortment of beautiful swans. I only had the pleasure of seeing this peaceful abode once while visiting my father Rod. It seems like an eternity ago that we stopped there for lunch.......... I was so young and bright-eyed then.

Rodney has a mischievous sense of humor. The kind that is passed on by a serious crooked grin , broken by a boyish laugh. "Which one's Pete?" I asked seriously. "They all are." My father answered sheepishly.

"Bunny" Wore Long-Johns

2009-01-31T14:11:00.000-08:00

Grandpa ("Bunny") wore long-johns. My mom would buy him a new pair every year for Christmas. This morning I woke up so cold I didn't want to leave my cozy quilts and pillows for a cup of hot creamy coffee. Nature soon called and I shivered my way quickly to the bathroom. Suddenly a thought in a familiar voice popped into my head, "Well Chris, that's why I wore long-johns." I laughed out loud. Grandpa Bunny always did have a wry sense of humor. It's been more then twenty years since he past on, but once in a blue moon he visits me in my dreams, or just sends an old memory my way. Sometimes I hear him whistle a tune to my heart. It's the little things like that you never forget. I felt his unseen presence this morning........like he was just checking in on me. I started going through my old poetry, and short stories trying to find one I had written about him . It took a few hours of digging, but I found the little treasure at last, dated June 24, 2000. It's titled "Grand-Dad"

His whisper,....... Enchanting...........His words......... Dangle like charms suspending from stars.......... His scent........ Strong and earthy.......... Lingering tobacco....... The aroma of fire blown out by a raspy breath....... His laughter......... rumbling.....sweet surrendering music...... His good-bye.......... A two fingered wave........ A shaken voice slowly fading into eternity singing a familiar tune........ His breath......... Like the winds of time softly they rush......... His favorite place....... The garden........ I see him their........ and I am submerged in the in the unforgettable scent of Marigolds, sod and soil.

Moon Beam, "My Gypsy Soul"

2008-10-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

"MOON BEAM" 24" X 30' Acrylic on stretched canvas 2008

She danced gracefully among the shadows, no longer bound by prejudice. For she didn't allow the voices of ridicule and false judgment to bind her back. Fear and doubt were not her enemy.....she boldly embraced the light that delivered her from the looming darkness behind her. The charcoal sky had been pulled back by some unseen force like a velvet curtain, and the moon's coral light beamed upon her. She was not shackled to legalism or pride, her spirit was free. Liberty from the bondage, and slavery of society's actions and thoughts. This painting represents my spirit that moves freely to act without outside interference or restriction, expressing my own personal choice, action and thought.

Sister Scarlet

2008-10-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

24" x 30" Acrylic on stretched canvas. 2008

I awoke the morning of Wednesday January 16Th, 2008 feeling my Artist within calling me back to paint. I've heard her brushes tapping about a few times in the past five years, her whistling and humming tempting me back into the world where she dreams in color.....A world where she dreams in red...... This time I did not ignore her. A confident woman cloaked in fur adorned by a background of inviting reds. It's a love-hate relationship, Sister Scarlet and I. she is stubborn, strong willed and demanding to come through a blank canvas with every stroke. The first sketch started with an Indian Chief, a virtuous strong character with the best of intentions. However, when I painted him I felt resistance. Unlike Scarlet, Chief didn't want to be seen. He doesn't like sitting for portraits. He sees an imitator, a counterfeit of his true self. Words to him are more important then colors. He would rather I paint his soul, not his face. I painted over him with 2 coats of white primer and one coat of a gritty neutral base. I attempted to sketch his soul, but a woman's face would come through. I spoke to the canvas, "No, I don't want a woman's face...Your supposed to be a man. I erased the face and started over only to see it happen again. Frustrated I began the battle one last time. The Artist, "Sister Scarlet," won...... Now we dream together.

SHADOW WOMAN

2008-08-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

My newest work completed 8/10/2008. Inspired by a New York Times Bestselling book written by Princess: Jean Sasson: MAYADA Daughter Of Iraq. One Woman's Survival Under Saddam Hussein.

The most captivating book I've read in 7 years. I grieved for three days upon completing its story. So moving, and painfully gripping with each word that I felt the humiliation, loss and suffering each of the seventeen women in cell #52 endured. Jean Sasson's writing is so breathtaking, so vivid it literally draws you in to Mayada's world. A world that few if any American woman could fathom. Her courage to survive when few would find the hope or faith to do so in her circumstance compelled me. This tragic miraculous story is one of triumph and fear. Mayada referred to the women she shared the dark chamber with as "shadow women," cellmates that suffered more severe punishment then her own. Yet they nursed her when she was sick, cared for her, listened to her story, and shared their own. Selfless, powerlsess woman who at times took turns giving up their own small food rations to give to another the strength to endure a morning torture.

I am haunted by each woman's story. Only one survived, Mayada Al-Askari. This painting depicts my gratitude for her survival, and is also in memory of those woman who suffer daily in Baladiyat prison cells with no name, or face to save them.

If I could look into the eyes of just one of those women, hold the hand of only one and spend one moment in time in darkness with a shadow woman it would be Samara. My tears and my heart shall not forget you.

4 Red Beauties

2008-06-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

I discretly watched his aged hands reach out for a package of ripened tomatoes. His sorrowful expression hesitated before touching the four red beauties, and then just stopped mid-air as though struck by some fearful voice. I stood only a couple of feet away sifting through soggy cucumbers, but could not resist watching the silent story unfold before me as the frail man slowly reached in his back right pocket with a shaken hand withdrawing a warn black leather wallet. He humbly fingered through his meager treasure, and then returned his gaze upon his hunger. His thoughts seemed to stumble back and forth before returning his meek wallet back to his eager pocket. He then opened the package and touched each plump tomato before choosing his treasure.

My thoughts were in a tither; do I offer to pay for the tomatoes? Do I politely give him money for groceries? I didn't want to offend him, I didn't want to embarrass him. He struck me as a man who had worked hard all of his life, a man of good character and virtues (Like my father). My thoughts went so far as to ponder if he had children? Did he loose his wife? But still I did nothing, I said nothing. I am left with a deep regret, and an ache in my heart for those who do not beg, who do not seek assistance but silently suffer in poverty.

Mother Teresa's spoke with tender wisdom when she said, "To smile at someone who is sad; to visit for even a little while, someone who is lonely; to give someone shelter from the rain with our umbrella; to read something for someone who is blind: These and others can be small things, but they are appropriate to give our love of God concrete expression to the poor."

2008-05-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

Last night my friend Fran brought me a handful of Cilantro seeds. Fran is from El Salvador and speaks very little English. I only know about two dozen words of Spanish, but we still manage to communicate quite well. (A quick game of charades often explains what our dialect can't) He was so proud of his gift of seeds, and manged to to tell me with his hands they were for planting. "Oh, you need a pot," I said with my arms held out in front of me in a giant circle. In Spanish Fran exclaimed he had one. He disappeared out my front door, and down twenty stairs calling from below for "Tia." Tia is his sister who also speaks very little English. In a matter of minutes Patty and Fran carried a huge tub of dirt up my stairs, and in to my kitchen. Fran grinned from ear-to-ear. His eyes twinkled as he told me he was giving me this valuable perfect dirt. "It is very good!" He said. I followed him as he drug it out onto my back deck, and watched him sift his fingers through the soil showing me hand fulls with such glee. While I made dinner, Fran planted Cilantro in my back yard. I laughed a lot, and told my husband that it was the sweetest gift anyone had ever given me. It brought back to memory the movie, "Pirates of the Caribbean," where Johnny Depp carried around his coveted jar of dirt. I hope I never have to move from my home, but if I do I will take a bowl of Fran's prized dirt with me.

Grandma Had Sass!

2008-05-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

Grandma liked to tell me with a stern look in one eye (the other squinted) "Go to church." The drive was long through the Eastern Oregon mountains too Grandma's house. You know the old song.... Well it was always worth the trip. Unfortunately the time in between became shorter as I grew older. The first thing Grandma would want to do when I'd arrive is feed me. "Have you eaten?" She'd ask firmly. No matter if I'd eaten or not she was determined to stuff me. "Well, you look like you haven't eaten a thing!" I never could say no to her Crazy Cake (Sylvia's special spell) Once you've had a bite your troubles seem a little less heavy. Then the next question would come, and only after my plate was empty. "Chris have you been to church?" I stopped going for a long stretch of time in my late thirties - early forties and I dreaded Grandma's discerning eye. I remember the first time I told her I stopped going to church. The silence seemed to roll in from the back porch, through the kitchen and then just hover over the floral country couch where I usually sat. Grandma leaned back in her big blue chair, looked at me with a sad disapproving glance and said, "Ahaaa..." Doesn't sound like much to regular folk, but I knew what it meant. I could see a hundred soul instructing words in her right eye.

I've been thinking of Sylvia more lately. I stood in back of an old woman last week. I couldn't see her face, but I could smell her fragrance, the same perfume my grandma wore. My subconscious mind could hear Sylvia's voice hollering in my left ear, "Hello Chris! I'm still here, smell me..... Grandma had sass and lots of it!. Sometimes her stubborn ways made people mad, but her ways made me laugh. She didn't like conformity either. I think of her words, words she could only say in her own fashion. So many of them, they just pop in and out of my my mind so fast like an unsuspecting breeze. "Stick in the mud," that was one of her sayings. She told me once on one of my last visits with her, "I didn't weigh more then two cents. She never went a visit without calling me her little angel, and reminding me of the day I was born. She called me by a variety of names... "Stink Bug," just popped into my mind.

The Mommy Book

2008-05-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

My big mommy heart popped up late in life. I'm like a Mommy Pop-up Book, only the pages got stuck for a while. It's kind of like I read the Mommy Book without pictures. There weren't bright bold colors, big flowers, fluffy bears or bouncy squeaky toys...only black & white words with a lot of spaces. I was so frustrated with myself because I didn't feel like I was in the Mommy Book. I'd ask God why? I would pray for pop-ups to spring to life before my eyes. I followed the instructions, and made some mistakes. Little one's as far as the Mommy Book is concerned. Truly I can say "I'm a good Mom." However, perfect mommies will look at me with that fretful frown and shake their pointed polished nails my direction. I remember one of my son's teachers asking me at a school conference, "Did you tell your son things don't have to be perfect?" I answered without shame, "Yes!"

I'm a nonconformist, but I don't like to argue like one. Jake reflects my nonconformity, and though it may seem like a crack to some I see it as an attribute.

In Search Of Purpose

2008-05-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

This is the beginning of a much needed spiritual journey. A quest for the part.....the piece of my soul I have yet to meet. My creator has this mischievious sense of humour, and it's His laughter throughout my life that has prevailed. I want to travel to the part of Him where the light that is Him cracks. When I look at my skin in various forms of light I see cracks, wrinkles, pores, freckles, moles and scars. For half my life I have seen these as imperfections.....now I accept them as attributes. If God makes us in His image then He must also have these similar traits. I want to find what lies deep in the cracks of God. I am driven to know him....I want to hear his breath.

The Seekers

2008-05-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

Three Indians facing a harvest moon. I'm happy with it, but it's not what I originally hoped for. Still it is significant of the journey......
My journey.
The canvas seems to be choosing its own characters and scenes. In the beginning I would decide and then slave over it. Strangely, now that I have returned back to the artist within the painting now chooses me. I believe I have a new understanding of creating from my soul. This is the beginning of something new. A different doorway, and I'm enjoying how liberating it feels. I've been feeling drawn to horses and a strong pull towards Native American scenes. Lately I've been experiencing Indians in my thoughts and visions.....I can't explain it. There is something very symbolic about them. At times I hear songs of tribes that come from my heart. It is a connection that can only be spiritual. I am open to knowing, open to seeing beyond what I have before.

I once met an Indian Chief when I was seven years old inside of his tee pee while on a school field trip in Pendleton Oregon. He spoke little English, and we were instructed not to speak to him unless he spoke to you first. All of us children were told to enter the tee pee and follow eachother walking around the circle and exit quietly. I was so curious about this Chief that I broke out of the circle, walked boldy over to him and just looked into his eyes without a word. He tilted his head back and let out a belly of a laugh. He then looked at me with a smile and and in his language said, "White bird with braids." That is what the interpreter said. The interpreter told me it was very rare for the Chief to speak to the white people. He was afraid when he saw me approach him so boldly, and was happy I had not offended him.
I never forgot this great man or the moment. There was a spiritual energy in that place, and looking back I understand it now. I felt exhilarated, high and overwhelmed with a feeling of being connected with something on a higher realm. It was at that moment I became a seeker of wisdom and truth.

THE ART OF DISCERNMENT

2008-04-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

I've a fond memory of watching movies with my Dad. He taught me the art of discernment. To always look ahead, and to perpetually be aware of what is coming next. He taught me to see the foreshadow in film. "Did you see it.?" He'd say, "did you see it?"

I'm a lover of words, and short stories. Eugene Fields & Mark Twain are my favorite story tellers. It is as if they enter the room when I read their words. Eugene tickles my feet, and Mr. Twain.... Well, I recognize the aroma of his freshly packed pipe.

I wrote a series of short stories seven years ago. The writer in me hit an iceberg and I've not written stories since. My characters have been nudging me to come out and play, so I believe I will return to them some peaceful day. I don't know exactly how or when. The moment I do know.... I fear they may leave me.