100TH POST/New Year's Eve!

The Facts About 2009:
1) My first Jonas Brothers concert was 1/18/09 with Alex. It changed my life.
2) I went to the INAUGURATION with Zack.
3) I went to Cali with Zack & went to the JB's midnight showing for their movie.
4) I helped throw a Robot Party with Micaela & it pwned.
5) I went to Chicago & NYC twice. Zack & I went to NYC for his bday. We went to a Yankee game, found where the JBs filmed a video, & a taping of Jimmy Fallon!
6) I ran the U245 Gallery at school, had a ton of shows & enjoyed it.
7) I graduated with my BFA from the College for Creative Studies (in 4 years)!
8) I sold 3 of my pieces at the Student Show!
9) I worked camp for the final time & became a MAO.
10) I went on the most EPIC Jonas Adventure with Rhiannon. We went to 4 shows (Columbus, Cleveland, Toronto, and Ottawa), slept at a murder motel, had main floor seats every night, & found their tour bus/where they were staying.
11) I went with Rhiannon & Kayla & MET NICK AND KEVIN JONAS. I cried.
12) I went to CT w/Rhiannon. We went to 3 JB Shows in 24 hours & slept in the car.
13) I got my first tattoo!
14) I started updating my blog everyday.
15) I realized a lot about ME this year.
2009 was unreal. I laughed. I cried. I fell down. I got up. I stopped caring. I cared too much. I gave up. I started anew. I lived. It was, hands down, my best year. I met new people that became great friends, I got closer to the ones I already had, and I reconnected with an old one that's become one of my best friends (without which, a lot of this year wouldn't have happened). The good outweighs the bad and I can't look back on this year and not smile. I thank all of you that were/have been/and are a part of it. Goodbye 2009. You've treated me well, but I'm optimistic about the future. I can't wait to see how I'll continue to grow and I really look forward to seeing all of my friends and family grow as people (and artists). Here's to the new year. Cheers!

You Become What You Always Were.

Tis a melancholy day. I just watched the end of Big Fish and cried. That movie gets me every time. I didn't do any art today, but instead, found this picture on my friend Jessica's blog. In a past life, I hung out on these rooftops with Vince Joy all night and we sang songs together until the sun crept up and turned us into stone.

Ask The Wizard!

I've been thinking about how much cooler I would be if I could be a wizard. If I was to change into a wizard, this is how I would like to look; ideally with a sweet beard and a cool nose. Shelby just said, "You would want to be a guy wizard" to which I stated, "If I was a girl wizard, I wouldn't have a beard!" Wizards age well, sit around being lofty, and they wear neat, pointy hats. This particular wizard likes pizza because I like pizza. I made this using papers from National Geographic. For some reason when I scanned it, it made that weird pattern on the pizza and robe. Does anyone know why that happens? It's weird. It looks like the rainbows you see in oil leaks from a car.On Valentine's Day of this year, The Jonas Brothers hosted SNL and believe it or not, they were funny. Now I know you're all thinking yeah right, but watch THIS clip. It's an SNL Digital Short entitled "Property of the Queen" and there is a wizard in it at the end. After this aired, I sang it for a few weeks; usually in class or in the parking structure. I also may or may not have sang it while in California.Sister Shelby made some cut outs as well. Here's the table with our sketchbooks and supplies. I'm building another 3D scene which I'm excited about. I'll post that when I finish (in a few days). Check out Shelby's Witch Doctor!

Greg The Mountain Man.

I drew this guy at Ram's Horn recently and I set up the fill in the blanks; mad libs style, but people kept filling in the most ridiculous answers. For instance, Sister Shelby said he chopped up women. Too much. This guy named Jacen insisted he enjoyed chopping up weird looking reindeer. I just needed some normal answers. Sister Alison came up with the selections in blue. I enjoyed her choices. I did ask her if by "goosebumps" she meant the R.L Stein novels, but she said no, she meant the bumps you get on your arms. Right on, Al. Click to enlarge!

Where's My Cell Phone?

Recently Micaela Ruiz has been especially hard to get ahold of because she lost her phone at her boyfriend's house. We had a discussion regarding its whereabouts and I deduced that it was in the couch, but she claims she wasn't even on the couch, but regardless, that is where everything ends up; inside of the couch. She thinks it's somewhere in the house or that the house ate it, but the couch is part of the house so that still counts and makes it legit. For the record, if couches had teeth, everyone would be required to get a running start to get on their couches; JUST SAYIN!Earlier, Zack (my friend) and I dressed up and went out for our friend Jeremy's birthday. We went downtown to Greek Town. I enjoy social gatherings because conversing with groups is always fun. I got home and watched He's Just Not That Into You again. I keep alternating between that movie and The Hangover. Lord of the Rings is on hold for the time being. I am now going to go play Word Whomp on pogo with Brother Chan because there's nothing like unjumbling words with your sixteen year old brother on a Saturday Night. Tomorrow we're going thrifting. I'm excited.

Christmas Aftermath.

This post is dedicated to my mom's friend June, her sisters, friend, Christy, and June's mom, Mrs. Cevora. I don't need to tell anyone how hard times are. My family has been struggling and I think part of the reason it didn't feel like Christmas was because my parents didn't want to get our hopes up only to have us disappointed come Christmas because they couldn't get us anything. We all received gifts today from "Santa" and Santa came in the form of five women with huge hearts. It was overwhelming, to say the least, and it was like we were ten years old again. I haven't seen my mom smile so big in a long time. You made our Christmas. You're angels.I've had this newspaper article since 1995 and I look back on it every year. It's from a Dear Abby advice column and a reader wrote in and asked if she could run the piece entitled, "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus". CLICK TO ENLARGE!This particular piece fills me with hope and deep down I do believe. I have the mind of an adult and the heart of a child. I try to look at things with open eyes filled with wonder and it's often lost on the people around me. If there's one thing I can say about the holidays, it's that I hope deep down you also believe and I hope that you keep your heart open to all the possibilities of the world and that you never stop using your imagination. Let us not age ourselves to the point that we no longer remember what it was like to be a kid and to have fun and laugh and play and be silly. If there is one thing I did learn about this Christmas it's that the true meaning of Christmas isn't the gifts you receive or the things you do, but appreciating those you spend time with; especially my family. I know I'm a pain in the butt, but I do love you all. Merry Christmas everyone. I hope your holidays were lovely.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve was wonderful. I can't put into words how great it was. My entire family got along, we got Calder's Chocolate Milk (the best chocolate milk on the planet), I drove around with my sibs jamming our favorite tunes, and we got to eat PIZZA for dinner. I have officially been awake for 29 hours, but I don't mind because today was the most productive day yet. I knew I wanted to do a big Christmas post, but I didn't know what to do. I drew a bunch of Santas at Ram's Horn, but nothing did it for me until I had this vision in my head which I knew I had to bring to life. I have never attempted to construct 3D objects with construction paper so this was a first. First off, here is a baby tree on our table that my parents put up, my ugly christmas sweater, some fun photos with my sibs (Chandler and Shelby), and me working.Here's what I used to create everything:I seriously spent at least six hours making this work. I couldn't find my usual light that I use to light things so I had to use a crummy flashlight and I had to take the photos too. It was a lot of work, but I wasn't going to stop until I finished. Please click the images to make them larger!The following two scenes I tried to tell a story. I had a lot of fun doing this.We have presents to open, but that's not until tomorrow. They are from SANTA. I really can't wait because I wasn't expecting anything. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! Take it easy today! Also, Happiest of Birthdays to one of my best friends, Sarah Caudill. I made her a really cool card, but, I didn't scan it.

The CIA!

I found this note on the ground at the Henry Ford Museum and I really contemplated getting on top of the roof to be picked up for the top secret mission that would ensue shortly thereafter. This is David Granderson & one of the best finds in America.

"You There! GIRL!"

I never draw people from my head. This was a first time deal. I'm not entirely pleased with it, but not everything is going to be a home run. I drew this at Ram's Horn.

RIP Ron Hayward.

Ron Hayward was one of our models at CCS and I found out he passed away yesterday. We are all in utter shock at his untimely demise. Ron was, hands down, the best model at CCS. He could hold the most elaborate poses and he wouldn't flinch. He was so devoted to his craft and had such an unwavering passion for what he did and Ron genuinely cared about the students. He often voiced his concerns to me last year, as an illustration representative, about student affairs and constantly offered suggestions as to how we could improve our department. There will never be another model like Ron. He was one of a kind. As my friend, Scott Daly, said, "In a world where there is so much destruction, he helped us create." It is with a heavy heart that I say rest in peace, Ron Hayward. You will truly be missed. This week on The Hallway Show, we're paying tribute to Ron. This is from my anatomy sketchbook from 2007. I have so many drawings of Ron, but they're currently MIA. I remember waking up yesterday because I overheard my family talking about Brittany Murphy's death. She had a heart attack at 32 and then, Ron dies. These recent deaths are reminding me how little time we have and how fragile our lives are. We take the time we have for granted and we often forget that time stops for no one. With it being so close to the holidays, I ask that each of you extend your sympathies to the grieving families, but to also cherish those that you have in your life. A normally cheery and joyful time has taken a melancholy turn for some. In the midst of these tragedies, let us not forget to love one another and to live each day to the fullest.

Trains & Things.

I know this is my second post in a row without an illustration, but I promise the next few will be nothing but illos! This is just some inspirational goodness today. I found this photo in a National Geographic and without thinking, I ripped it out. I don't know who took it, but it's great. I think it's Grand Central Station in New York (can anyone confirm or deny that?) and it's nice and old. Old things are the best.Tonight I watched He's Just Not That Into You and I LOVED IT! I'm not a big romance/cheesy movie gal, but this movie was just, so good. I have a total crush on Justin Long (you know, that guy from the Mac commercials?) and he was great in this movie. There were a lot of completely awkward situations in this film that, in turn, made me feel awkward, but at the end I was smiling SO BIG. Two thumbs up!

Words Well Said.

Found this in a GQ Magazine. It made me excited and happy.

Crayons & Cat Naps.

I was catching up on gossip involving the JoBros and Joe Jonas admitted his love for acting along with this fact about himself: "When I was in first grade I did a play about being a crayon. I was yellow. It was pretty amazing. I was in an off-Broadway musical." Really Joe? Was that when you reached your acting peak? As a CRAYON? Here's little Joe (missing a tooth) as a yellow crayon even though he looks kind of elfish. That could be due to the fact that Christmas is in 6 days.I ate some cereal this morning out of a pink bowl which made me feel girlier than usual and I confessed to my father, Charles, that I felt like a used car and that my body was breaking down, but he thinks I'm just being dramatic. I'm not. He then proceeded to tell me I live like an animal and I need to get up early and sleep at night to which I said, "I WOKE UP AT 11 TODAY!" and he said, "Well did you stay up all day?" and I said, "No, I came home and took a nap". Charles scoffed and told me that was my problem, but au contraire, RESEARCH SHOWS THAT NAPS ARE GOOD FOR YOU. How about those apples, Charles?

Lunch, Books, & Dirt Malls.

The sketch I'm posting is from my lunch rendezvous with Micaela Ruiz and her friend Brittany. We went to Bangkok Cuisine (in Detroit; they serve THAI, but I won't eat that EVER because I'm PICKY) and I drew what was outside of the windows.Today I went to the library to pick up the books I had on hold: LORD OF THE RINGS (YESSS) and the third installment of The Mysterious Benedict Society. I like the MBS illustrations, which are done by Diana Sudyka, and I like her illustration of the little girl in the red coat that you can see in the bus. Her name is Constance, but she reminds me of myself; STUBBORN and an ANIMAL. The MBS books = my fave.Brother Chan and I went to the thrift store in search of an ugly Christmas sweater because apparently he gets extra credit for wearing one today (because that's a great educational incentive) in AP English? BUT something was pulling me towards the Taylor Town Trade Center. The TTTC is the dirt mall. Anyone familiar with the movie Mall Rats will understand what a dirt mall is. A dirt mall is like an indoor flea market with collectibles, video games, and other odds and ends. It's a giant second hand paradise that smells like your grandma's attic and houses the bizarre. The omega dirt mall is Gibraltar Trade Center which is only open on the weekends (bummer), but you can find a mean mullet should you decide to explore such a place. It's like walking into another dimension where merchants and buyers shuffle about like cockroaches. It's like that cushion on your couch that you're scared to look under because you don't know what you're going to find. Well, I didn't find anything, but I love going from time to time. Hallelujah dirt malls!

December Grads!

Today the December grads graduated from CCS and I went with Micaela to wish them well. I haven't really been to CCS to visit anyone, but it felt really good going back. Hearing the graduation speeches today gave me a new found sense of purpose and self and seeing everyone today made me realize how much I miss my friends. I got the best bear hugs imaginable and a few of my friends told me they religiously read my blog which had me smiling so big my face hurt. My friend, Justin, told me that sometimes it takes getting away to realize what you're actually missing and I found a piece of the puzzle that was missing tonight. I don't know what I would do without these fantastic people in my life. I wanted to give a special congrats to my dear friend, Christian Barr. He was one of the first people I met and became friends with at CCS and I cherish his friendship dearly. Chris, I know you will go out into this world and do such great things. It has been so inspiring watching you grow as an artist. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you.Also, this is my absolute favorite picture ever. I'm giving Chris a big hug. Micaela took it. Her work continues to blow me away. This picture captures a lot of my personality and spirit. It makes me laugh and I hope it does the same for you!

Awesomely Bad.

I've been a total recluse as of late and I blame Lord of the Rings. I'm starting to believe my room is Middle Earth. LEGIT. But really I've only been hanging out with my friend Zack, but he's taking a break from me (like a real Kevin). I left my room today, in search of rations, and found pizza rolls in the freezer. Totino's Cheese Pizza Rolls are THE BEST. We had a bag, so I cooked those with my brother, Chan. I told Chan to go put on some Britney Spears videos and I cooked us a slew of pizza rolls while singing "Oops I Did it Again" and "Baby One More Time" way too loudly. While enjoying our feast, I noticed some new show on TV called "The Sing Off" and it's 8 a-cappella groups competing to win $100,000 and a contract. There's this one group on there called the Beelzebubs and it's a bunch of guys from some college and I am in love with them because they exude SO MUCH confidence. Confidence and a sense of humor is the way to my heart. Afterwards, I forced Chan into my room and I said, "Chandler, you sit there and you draw a picture of Britney Spears so I can post it on my blog to accompany my story!" He complained and whined saying, "It's gonna look bad!" Chan is taking an art class, but he hates it. He only hates it because he doesn't think he's good, but I believe in brother Chan. So, the following imagery includes: an original by Chandler Kirchoff of Britney Spears, a paper cut out of Pizza Rolls, and the Beelzebubs. (Click image for LARGER view!)

"SERENITY NOW!"

This week for The Hallway Show was Jason Alexander. I'm seriously in LOVE with my friend, Micaela Ruiz's, Jason Alexander. We used the same reference.

Ribs.

I did this drawing of a ribcage the other day to show that I can also draw realistically when I need to. I worked meticulously on this for a few hours. Naturally it had smudge marks everywhere, but I cleaned it up in photoshop. I miss my anatomy class. Eugene Clark (anatomy teacher AND magician) would be very proud.

Special Delivery!

The mail ran today like usual, but I didn't get up because I never get anything in the mail, but today, my mother greeted me with a GIANT BOX and I was really confused because I didn't order anything, but low and behold, this box was addressed to: "My Good Friend: Chelsea Kirchoff". I didn't recognize the address at first, but then after a minute, I realized it was from my dear friend Blake Bradley! I met Blake over the summer and asked him if he would be interested in designing an intricate city on my vans shoes and he accepted. Well, he finished my shoes up and sent them to me. It was really exciting opening the box and seeing them for the first time. Christmas came early! Here's some shots of the shoes. Thanks a lot, Blake. You're amazing!

Ryan Daisy.

I recently started talking to an old friend from high school and he asked me if I would do a cut out of him. I think this is the most elaborate cut out to date; I spent 2 1/2 days on it (and had over 100 layers on photoshop). Today, Ryan graduates from Michigan State University. In fact, he graduated at 9 am. Ryan just got online and I showed him the end result. This post goes out to Ryan. Happy graduation, dude!

Max Records!

I decided to revisit Where The Wild Things Are and I made this cut out of Max Records. I loved Max so much in the movie. I thought he was perfect for the part and of course I loved his character. I worked really hard on this particular cut out. So, here is Max Records. I wish I could just hop in a little boat and sail away. Anyone interested in a Wild Rumpus? I'm finishing up a cut out of my friend Ryan that I'm going to post tomorrow. He's going to be sad because I didn't finish it today, but I promise it will be up tomorrow! In other news, I have started drawing Gandalf nonstop. Be on the lookout for a Lord of the Rings takeover, but leave some feedback on Max! I want to hear what everyone thinks and HAPPY FRIDAY!

One Little Christmas Tree.

This is a photo I bought at a local library for 40 cents. It's from 1940. I like it a lot. I'm taking it easy tonight. I don't feel really well so enjoy this little Christmas tree from the past. The thing I love about Christmas Trees is that people treat a Christmas Tree like it's part of the family. They take in a tree, decorate it, and it becomes part of that house for the time being. Christmas Trees are so iconic and differ from each household to the next. I love the idea that the Christmas Tree is constantly reinvented from family to family and each family's tree contains lights, love, time, and tradition that will be passed down from year to year. Unfortunately we stopped putting our Christmas Tree up at home and a little bit of my heart dies each year because without one in our house I feel like a scrooge, but I love seeing them in people's windows. They make me smile and they give me hope.

Ode To Jason Curtis!

I recently became blog friends with Jason Curtis and let me tell you, he is one of the nicest and coolest guys around! I emailed Jason and asked about his doodles and whether he makes a living as a freelance cartoonist/illustrator, but to my surprise, I found out he's a photographer. His reasons for his doodles is both interesting and inspiring. I would love it if you would read why by clicking HERE. I think each of us can take something from the aforementioned entry. I know I have. So, in honor of my new friend, Jason Curtis, here are some fun illustrations I recently did.

Nosferatu & Things.

I got bored earlier and decided to google myself. The results were interesting. First of all, someone that loves Lord of the Rings tweeted about my LOTR illustration I did the other day and second of all, I came across this guy named Aion Masterson and he blogs about other people's blogs and I was really flattered to find that I was one of the blogs he came across and blogged about. You can read what he wrote by clicking HERE. I keep watching Lord of the Rings...still...I will probably draw all of the characters within the next week and post them. I am working on some fun things that I'm looking forward to posting, but I am not too excited about the end of the year coming because WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN!? Here are some characters I drew at Ram's Horn. Nosferatu is there because he's always there. Which is your favorite?

You're Only As Strong As Your Foundation.

The internet has been broken for 12 hours and that is why I am only just now posting. This is just a little thing I put together. I've been thinking about priorities, our beliefs, and the basic understanding of a person's foundation. How strong is yours? Blogger killed the colors, but I also played around with the vanishing point filter on photoshop because I never have before. That was interesting.

Lord of the Rings.

I can't stop watching all three Lord of the Rings in a row. Sometimes I wish I could go on an adventure as epic as Frodo's, but instead I live vicariously through him via the movies. My little sister, Shelby, keeps watching them with me. Yesterday I came up with this game, but we didn't really test it out until a few hours ago. I thought it would be funny to get two 2-liters of Mountain Dew and every time "ring" was spoken, you had to take a drink of your dew. Well, we barreled through about 1 1/2 2-liters and 30 minutes worth of The Fellowship of the Ring before I lost by throwing up. I honestly can't believe how often they say "ring" in all three movies. I'm convinced you would go through twenty 2-liters and probably end up having a heart attack if you were to endure the entire 9 1/2 hour run through of the three. Here's a quick cartoon Shelby did of me wearing a bandana. She wasn't taking it seriously at all, but you can check out her blog and see the things she DOES take seriously by clicking HERE. So in spite of this game, here is an illustration of us watching LOTR with some Dew.

Christmas Lights Extravaganza 2009.

It took me three days, eight cities, and well over 300 houses to comprise this omega post of houses decorated in Christmas splendor. That entire sentence sounded pretentious and that could very well be due to the fact that I am now a Christmas House snob. I don't mean to be, but through this endeavor I've become one. There are some houses that have the brightest blue lights I have ever seen. They are extremely saturated and I'm sure that staring at these particular blues for any length of time is comparable to staring at the sun; my retinas burn just thinking about it, but I'm getting off topic. One of the things I love the most about the holidays is when people decorate their houses. A decorated house is like a Gingerbread House and it makes me happy. So, in light of the holidays, these are some of the best houses around Michigan and tonight (Dec 5th) is Noel Night down in Detroit from 5:00-9:30!

Steve Buscemi!

This week's pick for The Hallway Show is Steve Buscemi. I blind contoured his face, cut outs for the head and neck, and that's his body from Ghost World as Seymour.And here's a blind contour I did entirely. I looked when I added the stripes on the shirt, but everything else was done without looking.

Ricky Gervais.

I saw The Invention of Lying for the second time recently. It's at the dollar show so it's not really breaking the bank. I really liked Ricky Gervais before this movie, but this movie made me absolutely adore him. He gave such an amazing performance. He cries in this film and it's SO GREAT. I'm not a sadist, I don't enjoy seeing grown men cry, but his performance is so real and convincing and that's what does it for me. So, in honor of the movie, I did a few Ricky Gervais blind contours.I also did this cut out of Ricky Gervais and with this particular cut out, I wanted to limit the paper/textures I used and I wanted it to be minimal and I didn't want to spend a lot of time on it; quickness was key. I ended up using one piece of paper for everything on him with the exception of the background and his mouth (which is his real mouth), I didn't use much detail, and it took me between 45 minutese and an hour to finish. He's a hard one to get a likeness of too. He gets added to the list.

Eurich's Clock World.

There's this place not too far from my house called Eurich's Clock World and I stumbled upon it last year when I was taking my friend's dog around the neighborhood. I found Clock World in the middle of the night and now that's the only time I'll stop by to visit it. Clock World is a special place; it has a lot of magical powers. I would bet that there's an older gentleman named Eurich working back there with really thick glasses, disheveled hair, and a vest with a pocket watch. It's like a scene right out of the old 90's Nickelodeon show "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" (one of my all time favorites). I get inspired and my imagination runs wild when I go by this place. I like it when I get inspired by the unexpected. A lot of other people look at it and think it's just a clock store, but I see way more than that when I look at it.

LANDO CALRISSIAN!

This is Lando Calrissian from Star Wars. Lando is such an underrated character. This is my illustration for The Hallway Show. For the record, I asked my mother if she knew who this was to which she replied: "It's Billy Dee Williams. What do you think, I'm retarded?" I replied with a triumphant Napoleon Dynamite style "YUHSS"! Not because I think she's retarded, but because she knew who it was.