Friday, February 13, 2009

In The Faces Of America


"The Only One"

Working from our apt in Hengelo, Holland

In The Faces Of America


Inhabitant
30 x 22
Conte
On Paper

Inspired by those who are judged
not more than their possessions

In The Faces Of America


Insight
24 x 20
Conte/Charcoal
on Paper

Inspired by wisdom
of those not asked

In The Faces Of America


Unforgettable
30 x 22
Conte/Charcoal
on Paper

Inspired by the joy of success
and happiness

In The Faces Of America


Season of Change
30 x 22
Conte/Charcoal on paper

Inspired by those who have
faced disappointment
in uncertain times

In The Faces Of America


The Only One
30 x 22
Conte/Charcoal
on Paper

Inspired by the unseen
women whose strength
goes unnoticed

Thursday, February 12, 2009

In The Faces Of America


No Iron Roads
22 x 30
Conte/Charcoal
on Paper

A portrait of "Red Cloud"

This drawing was inspired by his story

In The Faces Of America


IN THE FACES OF AMERICA
A Collection of Portraits Celebrating The Faces Of America
by Diane Chilson

Pictured Left "Crimson Scholar" 22 x 30 Conte/Charcoal on Paper


Upon each face in America there is a biographical history that reflects the diversity of our nation as a whole. The unique culture of one multiplied by another, and in contrast to, magnifies our unique structure. Freedom may not come easy, but it has become bold, and can be witnessed...

"IN THE FACES OF AMERICA"

After spending the past several months in Europe and loving every minute, I have come to understand and appreciate my home country in a special way. I was inspired by the curiosity of those I have met in Europe to study my true thoughts of what being an American stands for. The curious questions about American culture and opinion helped me to look a little deeper into my own understanding of my country.
In The Faces of America is an ongoing work of portraits inspired by everyday extraordinary people of our past and present. Some of the portraits are of people who have touched my life and others are imaginative figures depicting hardship, culture, or emotion.
“Crimson Scholar” is a portrait of a dedicated wife and mother of 5 children. She cared for her children while her husband served his country. She chose to stay at home with her children putting them in front of an education or a career. After loosing her one true love and husband of 44 years, she did not let devastation stand in her way. Not only did she gain her independence, she learned forgiveness. Through struggle and determination she did something for herself and fulfilled her dream of obtaining an associates degree, she was admired, loved and adored on campus as one of the few students in their late sixties. Just weeks before she was to walk with her class with honors she lost her life from a stroke. Although she may not have attended her graduation physically, I know she was there when the entire college stood in honor of her as they handed her diploma to her children, each person adorned with a small red ribbon attached to a picture of "Nell" the Crimson Scholar