I’ve been working on this series for the last few months: curating group art works or writing individual profiles of folks that incorporate chickens into their art or craft work. This has never been about judging the ‘best’ work or showcasing the most accomplished artists.
More importantly, my goal is to offer a platform for sharing, to uplift each other in the creative endeavors we’re engaged in and to broaden our perspectives on the humble chicken and what they mean to different people.
Rachel Longfoot
I was raised in a very artistic family and have been doing art since I was born. I’ve learned to work in several mediums; my favourite is watercolor. My passion it to paint animals for people who have lost their pets. My family and I reside in New Oxford Pennsylvania with our cats and chickens.
A.L. (Amy) Bradford (www.galerieepoche.com/a-l-bradford)
I studied at Parsons School of Design in Paris, as well as art and philosophy which seemed like a natural mix of materials, aesthetics and theories to add to the discipline. Interacting with, and taking classes from, artists such as Ed Paschke, Mark Kostabi, and illustration from cartoonists Jay Lynch, and Chuck Jones formed my perspective.
I have incorporated a peripatetic lifestyle to the craft, with plein air painting in different cities like London, Paris, as well as various cities in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, Chicago, New York, California, Santa Fe, seeking what master artists like Monet sought– a means of connecting the moment to a history of experience that inspires in all time, seeing the universal, creating what becomes classic.
I live in Atlanta, Georgia with a small flock of cockatiels, a white pigeon couple, an Amazon parrot and a small brood of hens in my backyard that I consider friends, and all subject to painting.
My work is in private collections in the UK, France, New York, Chicago, California, Florida, and Atlanta.
Stacy Aevum-Patton
I have always had a passion for art and particularly ceramics. A little over a year ago, my husband and I took some classes at our local community college and enjoyed it so much we decided to build a full ceramics studio in our basement.
A few months ago we decided to get a small backyard flock. We had thought about chickens for a while and all the benefits along with the cost and responsibility of owning chickens. We were both surprised at how much we enjoyed caring for these little fuzzy nuggets. Our chickens are so sociable and love interacting with us.
I wanted to incorporate my two new passions: chickens and pottery. I have been collecting their feathers to use for some raku, an ancient Japanese firing technique. My pieces are hand thrown on a potter’s wheel and specially prepared for the firing. I do the final fire in the kiln around 1900F and as the piece is still hot, but cooling down, I burn the feathers onto the outside of the piece. Each work and feather is unique, and I am loving the results of combining these personal and rewarding passions.
It’s never too late in life to follow your passions. I started building my ceramic studio and my chicken venture in my 40s – and so glad that I did.
Check out this video to see Stacy burning her hens’ feathers on these pots.
Hailey McLaughlin (www.haileymclaughlin.com)
I’m an illustrator from Michigan who has worked in the Los Angeles animation industry. I’ve illustrated three books and done countless editorial illustrations, plus artwork for mobile games and cartoons. When not drawing I split my time between working at the Madison Children’s Museum and cuddling with my African Fat Tail Gecko, Pooty-Toots. I dream of one day owning a haunted house in the countryside where I can raise chickens.
Thanks to Rachel Longfoot, Amy Bradford, Stacy Aevum-Patton and Hailey McLaughlin for sharing their artwork, used with permission. Featured image: Liz LaManche
If you have some art or craft you’d like to share feel free to drop me a line by using the ‘contact’ button on my homepage.
Bitchin' Chickens 
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