Due to the Pandemic, my studio will not be open for the tour this
year. In lieu of an in-person visit, here is an update on what is new with me,
including 4 book projects in one year!
During last year’s event, my fourth book, “Lead On!
was being printed and made its debut in late October. Artistically, it was
challenging for me to design a visual story to animate an idea: what does it
take to be a leader? This was my second project with author Krista Betcher (I
Know You’re Here/2018). This book for middle schoolers is not only about leadership.
It also explores the topics of individuality, stewardship, and community
service. All the “little” characters in the book were based on local children. This
was the first time in many years that I tried to capture the likeness and
personality of a real person. More on that later.
I’m especially proud of book #5: Flutter, Bye. Another
in collaboration with Krista, this book was inspired by the input we received
on our first book, I Know You’re Here, which is about loss.
Professionals in the fields of hospice and grief counseling asked specifically
for a book designed for the tender aged reader. A “flip” book, it is a picture
book, journal, and coloring book in one, created for the very young who are
experiencing loss for the first time. Initially addressing grief, it is also a resource
for readers of all ages who are facing “a changed life story.” This story-workbook
can be used to help address challenges in the face of our current pandemic,
including illness, loneliness, and anxiety.
My sixth book (due fall 2020), What’s in the Rommegrot?
is by Carol Hagen. Every family has “that story” that they love to tell and
re-tell. This one is about a silly, memorable winter morning Carol spent with
her granddaughter. We collaborated to create this keepsake book about the
author’s favorite family foible. This book also revitalized my love of
portraiture: I based the characters on my sister in law and her granddaughter
(my grandniece) who lives in Stockholm, Sweden. Custom picture books? It really
is possible!
This summer, I completed the illustrations for book #7, Monica
the Muskie Legend, by Bob Allen, due fall 2020. Coming from an active angling
family, I jumped at the invitation to illustrate a book about the love of
fishing… and the pursuit of outdoor activities. It wasn’t until I sat down at
the, literal, drawing table that it hit me: “Waitaminit, how do I paint an underwater
landscape?” It was refreshing to imagine the story from a fisheye point of
view. I also knew nothing about Muskie fishing. I’m a walleye gal. It’s a
completely different sport, I learned. In my research, I was struck by the
reverence in which this fish is held. Fishermen speak of her in hushed tones.
The look on their faces as they cradle her for that one moment where two worlds
meet, then part, is wonder-full.
Upon completion of Monica I found myself, for the
first time since 2016, without the next book project already in queue. What
next? Well, that’s another story. Let’s just say a long dormant spark for
portraiture has been rekindled… the next chapter.