Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Claudia Chappel of Baltimore county

We recently had the chance to connect with Claudia Chappel and have shared our conversation below.

Claudia, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I am incoherent (as I say) when I wake up. I don’t want to talk or engage or anything with any human until I have a cup of coffee and I take my time with it. After that I prepare my dogs meals for both breakfast and dinner. I feed my boys and then we go out for a walk. After that I can begin my day. That probably takes up my first 90 minutes

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Whether it’s the medium, the technique, or the subject, my art is as diverse as my personality—I love to experiment. My passion for color drives me, as does my love for animals.

My interest in health and nutrition started at a young age. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, with a special interest in Nutrition. Over the past ten years, I’ve expanded my focus to include canine health, inspired by my deep love for my own dogs and a desire to help them live a longer and more vibrant life.

Before writing this book, I took a course in canine nutrition and received certification. This recent deep dive into the subject motivated me to research, write, and illustrate this book.
I hope the reader learns a lot from it and enjoy watching your dogs thrive—living longer, healthier, and happier lives because of it.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I was very unhappily married with two very young children and living halfway across the country. One day when my husband returned home from work I could tell by the look on his face that something very nasty and abusive was about to come out of his mouth. I was in the middle of cooking our dinner. I put my utensil down, turned to face him and out of my mouth came. “DON’T SAY ANYTHING, I DON’T WANT TO BE MARRIED TO YOU ANY MORE”. And that was it. He walked out of the kitchen and my new life began. Needless to say, my strength found me! Six months later I took my 2 babies and my dog and with the $200. I was able to save I headed back to the east coast.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I have had a complicated life. I have had to make lemonade out of the lemons I was dealt for much of it. The absolute worst was when my son died. After 19 years I still can’t say that out loud. It was a shock. It was an accident. I don’t think a mother ever heals from a loss like that. What I do is pick myself up every day and live. Life is so fleeting that before we know it it will be over. It comforts me to believe that he is with me in spirit because I don’t believe the spirit dies along with the body. Therefore I will be with him wherever he is someday. I also keep myself creating. About 6 years ago I wrote, illustrated and published a self-help grief book, “The art of living with grief”. It helps me to know that I’m using my art and my grief to help others suffering from a similar loss. Currently, I have written, illustrated another art centered book called, “THE ART OF FEEDING YOUR DOG”. It’s for all the people who want better nutrition & health & longevity for their dog but don’t want to cook all their meals from scratch. I firmly believe that the most important thing in raising a dog—besides giving them our love, comfort, and devotion—is what we feed them. They are truly our best friends and treasured family members, and just like a baby, they are completely dependent on us to take care of them. My dogs have helped me survive my grief and continue to every day.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
This one is simple.
As I have already said, I believe that my son is with me and hears what I say. I think about him everyday and used to think that he knew that. He leaves me signs and I see them and know he is near. One night several years ago I had a dream and in it he was upset with me. He told me “You don’t miss me, you never call me”! I woke up and was so upset that he came to me to tell me that. It was then that I realized, he can’t read my mind, I have to speak to him out loud so he hears me. I usually wait until I’m alone, and since my work is solitary I’m alone a lot. I now speak to him daily and tell him that I love and miss him. it brings me a sense of peace to believe that he now hears me and I know he will be waiting for me when it’s my time. I also know I have a lot more to get done creatively on this earth and he walks my journey with me.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I believe most people will all agree that I was a loving, generous and talented person. Full of strength and humor and determination. When I take on a project I give it 110% of myself. I was a great and loving friend. I was a great mother, grandmother, dog mother and wife. I think what will probably stand out most will have been my creativity in so many genre’s

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Image Credits
Alan Gilbert

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