The drawings in this section are portraits of my wife, Elsa, as a bird; they span our twenty-five years together. They document, celebrate, and satirize special events, circumstances, places, and things that capture the essence of her unique spirit and style. They comprise a visual diary of our marriage, highlighting a unique individual who truly is a rare bird.

Each drawing has a date and a title chosen to enhance the meaning of the drawing. The specific subject matter ranges widely and is always connected in time to something that occurred near the date it was created. Many drawings make direct reference to the work of various artists that Elsa, a museum curator and director, exhibited in her space. All of the drawings emphasize her unique style of dress and the important role that clothes play in her identity.

There are stories behind all of the characters, but I have elaborated on those that, to me, are the most interesting and that best reveal the nature of “The Chief.”