“It is a joy of life and how it manifests itself,” she said. “I’m always looking at things. Everything is full of inspira- tion, and I find inspiration in the smallest things. I am a silver lining-type of person and that comes through in my art.”


Chauffe’s artwork can be whimsical, but also has seri- ous messages. She works with oil, watercolors and ink, as well as decorative materials for her signature mosaics. But she doesn’t prefer one medi- um over the other. “I love painting because it


is more free,” she said. “I love mosaics because I love the material, like vintage buttons and beautifully colored (glass).”


Chauffe’s creative side


became apparent at an early age. She said she and her brother would distress paper to make it look old and draw Christmas decorations on it. Chauffe’s art has taken her


all over the country and the world. She once spent 10 days in France creating pieces at a chateau. The highlight of her career


also was the most heartbreak- ing moment she has experi- enced professionally, Chauffe said. She spent two years rec- reating King Henry XVI’s double parlor in a client’s house only for it to be de- stroyed by the client’s


Oil painting of Louie XIV.


Living Well i April/May 2014 15


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