About the Artist

Chris Grimes (pen name Cee Thorketil) is an artist and writer with a deep passion for the wild and its diverse species and habitats. She lives with her family on their regenerative farm and forest, Bard Owl Farm, in Maine, USA, where she creates art, writes stories, farms, and continues to learn about the native species around her. She graduated from the Emily Carr University with a BFA in fine art in 2007 and has participated in exhibitions, art markets, creative projects, and arts associations, and now is publishing children's books!

**Thorketil is a lost ancestral name Chris discovered while researching her family history. The name originates from the Vikings who settled on the Isle of Man in England, centuries ago. It means "Thor's Cauldron."

Every creative thing I do comes from a heart that is filled each day by the beauty and preciousness of life. From the bumblebees to the bobcats, the lichen to the grand oak trees, living close to nature provides an endless source of inspiration.

My cut paper art is created through a process of drawing, painting, cutting, then assembling each image. 

First, I spend time drawing the animals or plants, developing a simplified design that has a good balance between being accurate and adorable. Then, using archival quality sheets of watercolor paper, I paint complex layers of color until I get an interesting but subtle complexity. I try to imbue each sheet with an impression of what it will be used for, like "fur" or "tree bark."  Sometimes I just want to make cool textures and will come up for a use for it later—It depends on the moment! That's part of the magic of creating by hand!

Once I have a stock of painted paper I use it to cut out shapes, then assemble them into the images you see! One of the things I love about this process is that I can play with the composition and design until I find something that feels just right. I finish the piece by painting any extra details that the piece needs. 

Art:

Finally! I've began my work on a Barred Owl, a very special species to my family and I. We love hearing "who cooks for you?" in the night (that's how ornithologists describe their unique call!)

Fantasy creatures: I love nature, but I also love story, fantasy and magic! Looking forward to creating some dragons, unicorns, gobins and more!

Upcoming Books:

Deluxe edition of 'Who Lives Here' for New England will be available for Christmas in this store! I'll be stocking my store with signed copies!

Soon to be released...

'What Sound Does a Bumblebee Make?'

Inspired by my 18 month old and her love of making animal sounds, (the first being bumblebees!) I am creating a new illustrated children's book about the WILD sounds you can hear in New England! Hoping to be released for Christmas!!