Christopher Chaffin enjoyed a 30+ year career in San Francisco as an art director/creative director, but I only discovered him after coming across his wonderfully detailed and layered paintings.
What do you do?
I work on the occasional freelance advertising design project, but most of the time, I’m working on my abstract, mixed-media paintings in my studio at ICB/ART in Sausalito.
Where do you live?
Mill Valley.
How long have you lived in Marin?
34 years. Escaped Orange County and moved to Sausalito in 1983. Followed by San Francisco for seven years and then Mill Valley since 1992.
Where can we find you when you’re not at work?
Walking with beagles Jasper and Sterling around Marin. Great exercise and a chance to explore areas I wouldn’t otherwise see. And there’s something about encountering two beagles that never fails to bring a smile to peoples’ faces.
If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin is, where would you take them?
So many amazing options, it’s hard to choose one. My wife and I love hiking Steep Ravine trail down to Stinson, followed by lunch or dinner at Parkside. You can park your car at Pantoll Ranger Station close to the trailhead and catch the 61 bus back to your car afterward.
What’s one thing Marin is missing?
Housing availability and affordability for teachers, police and firefighters near the communities they serve.
What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites?
Slow down and breathe. People who are always in a hurry will never have enough time.
If you could invite anyone to a special dinner, who would they be?
Tom Petty and Rick Rubin. So much great music flowed from these guys when they worked together.
What is some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?
At some point, your body won’t let you do everything you used to, so enjoy doing it while you can.
What is something that 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy?
Single-use plastic bags and bottles. Less than 6% is recycled, contributing to the vast amount of microplastics in the oceans, which threaten marine life.
Big question. What is one thing you’d do to change the world?
Get the corporate money out of politics. Level the playing field by funding campaigns with public dollars.
Keep up with Chaffin at chaffinart.com.
Nish Nadaraja was on the founding team at Yelp, serves on the San Anselmo Arts Commission and is trying to play ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ again.
