Chickenisms: The Art of the Pecking Order
An imaginative look at life in the coop.
Chickenisms is a playful book of illustrations that explores identity, power dynamics, and the often hilarious ways we navigate the world – through the lens of chickens. Each illustration brings layered humor and visual storytelling to the concept of “the pecking order.”
Coming Soon: Really Clucking Cute Merch
Chickenisms: The Art of the Pecking Order is a playful, illustrated celebration of joy, resilience, and unapologetic quirkiness – told entirely through chickens. Inspired by a childhood love of animals and a lifelong gift for making people laugh, Lauren Cannon’s debut book fuses humor with insight, using richly imagined characters to mirror the whim and chaos of our own social ecosystems.
From proud roosters to judgmental hens, from fierce matriarchs to lovable oddballs, these barnyard personalities reflect the ways we perform, posture, clash, and connect. Each chicken is a portrait of emotion and energy. The result is a visual representation of identity, power dynamics, and the art of not taking life too seriously.
Equal parts sassy and sincere, Chickenisms invites us to step outside the noise, connect with nature, and remember we get to choose joy, no matter what’s ruffling our feathers.
Perfect for adults who need a smile (or a squawk), this book offers a little absurdity, a little wisdom, and a whole lot of personality – served sunny-side up.
About the author:
Lauren S. Cannon
Lauren Cannon is a multimedia artist and joyful instigator based in Memphis, Tennessee, whose work spans oil painting, sculpture, embroidery, and now — chickens. A lifelong nurturer, Lauren got her first chicken at age five and has been collecting quirky animal stories and actual animals ever since.
Her debut book, Chickenisms, reflects her belief in the healing power of humor and nature’s boundless inspiration. Lauren holds multiple degrees in painting, graphic design, and art education, and is an advocate for arts accessibility through her outreach programs and community work. She lives in Memphis with her husband, five children, and a feathery entourage.
Upcoming Events
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Jumpstart Art Pop-Up at Heirloom House!
Saturday, October 18, 11:00 AM
Heirloom House
2129 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104Join us for a vibrant day of creativity, connection, and clucking good fun at Heirloom House as we welcome Jumpstart Art and the beloved art bus, Freddie!
Artist and author of the whimsical new illustrated book Chickenisms, Lauren Cannon, will be on-site to share her work, sign copies of the book, and chat about the quirky chicken wisdom behind her newest release.
Then, hop aboard Freddie, the vintage school bus transformed into a rolling art studio, and explore your own creativity with a hands-on project from Jumpstart Art. Art Bento Boxes will be available for purchase — each one packed with thoughtfully curated materials for a fun and engaging take-home (or bus-side!) art experience.