Marian Gardner: Self-Taught Chicken Artist

In May 2022, I started posting profiles of artists, crafters and writers who depicted poultry in their work. Some of those folks were inspired by the imagery of birds, while others had a flock of their own and wanted to share their love of chickens.

I’m neither artistic or particularly crafty, but I can appreciate those who make things with their hands from ideas in their heads.

This is the 38th post in the series ‘When Art Meets Chickens’.

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Marian Gardner. I was born in Honduras, adopted when I was six months old and brought to America where I now reside in the Fingerlakes of Upstate New York. I am an artist, author, illustrator and entrepreneur working in most mediums but my specialty is watercolours. I also enjoy sculpting with polymer clay and painting on almost any surface.

I am influenced by animals and nature. I love replicating them to the best of my abilities but my favorite animals to paint and sculpt are chickens.

What’s your history with creating art?

I am a self-taught animal artist. I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil and have never stopped. I have perfected my painting skills by paying close attention to detail in my subjects. I identify most with animals because of my strong love for them. I took lessons from world renowned artist, Steve Carpenter, in Rochester N.Y, and have learned how to paint in oils with him as my mentor.

How has your practice changed over time?

I have developed tones and improved in my technique with each piece that I complete. I love the challenge of commissions and I enjoy the reaction from the owners when they receive their artwork.

What work is most fulfilling?

I find writing and illustrating my children’s books to be the most fulfilling. I love writing for children to help empower them to grow up to be confident in themselves. When I wrote “Rosie the Silkie Hen” I wanted children to see that it’s okay to be unique and embracing your gifts is empowering and helps build confidence in themselves.

What was that process like?

Writing and illustrating my books comes pretty easily for me as well but I do hit some challenges along the way. Such as being able to position a chicken in a way that is like a person without taking away the chicken essence that they possess. Growing each character as the story goes on is also fun to create and I love seeing it all come together in the end.

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

Once when I was reading my book at a preschool, all of the children were captivated and excited to see the chickens all dressed up. That was by far a memorable response and I loved that they enjoyed my book. I have also created hundreds of commissions and each one that I have done, brings a memorable response when they receive their precious pet turned into a work of art. That means a lot to an artist to receive a reaction of thankfulness for something you have created.

What motivates you to create?

It is a passion for me and I have a constant desire to create. Completing a piece helps motivate me to continue creating more artwork.

First experience with chickens?

My husband and I didn’t grow up on a farm but we knew once we were married that we wanted one together. Chickens were the first animal that we bought when we had our first house with a backyard. We now own a hobby farm where we have lots of chickens, a milk cow, horse and barn cat. I have owned chickens since our early years of marriage and we are fascinated by their adorable antics and sweet dispositions. We started with six Leghorns from Tractor Supply with a coop made from a dog house. Our daughter loved her hens and learned so much from caring for them at a very young age.

We currently have a mixed flock of 13 hens (Easter Egger, Barred Rock, Buff Orpington, Jersey Giant and Sapphire Gems) and one rooster. They are so important to us on our hobby farm. We love the fresh eggs and we love giving them food scraps so that nothing gets wasted on our farm. My oldest daughter named each one of them and they all have unique personalities. We will always have chickens, even when we are old and grey.

How have they impacted your life?

They have taught us so much about sustainability. They have also been a wonderful source of entertainment and we rely on them to control the tick population in our yard. They bring so much enjoyment to our farm, just watching them peck at the ground and take dust baths is always charming to witness. They have taught my two girls so much about responsibility. Teaching them where their food comes from and how to hold a chicken gently without handing them too roughly when they were little. Chickens are wonderful at teaching kids how to be calm around animals.

Chickens have beautiful feathers and their elegant stance and demeanour constantly inspires my work. I love capturing their expressions and enjoy the challenge of capturing their plumage.