The people who wait on the line at CHiPs tell me they're hungry, but also thankful. There's a community here, with people mostly staying to themselves, but sometimes joking with each other. At the end of the line, they get food, but also a brief moment with a CHiPs volunteer or employee, who treats them with respect.
This particular drawing is a study for a larger Gouache painting, and I think the drawing came out so beautifully, fluid, but simple.
This piece is part of my upcoming exhibition – The Faces of CHiPs - What if God lived in Gowanus? – a series of studies and portraits of the people of CHiPs, a soup kitchen/residence that has served my neighborhood for 50 years. All proceeds from sales of paintings and prints will be donated to CHiPs to further their mission.
The original is 17" x 14" pen and ink on Strathmore paper.
