School Vacation

"As I look back on what I have written, I can see that the very persons who have taken away my time are those who have given me something to say," says Katherine Patterson. And so during this week long winter vacation that my children have from school, I struggle as an artist/mom.

I want to live in the moment without worrying about the deadlines on my bulletin board. I want to truly enjoy my children when they are young, because as everyone with older kids will tell you, "It goes by so fast." And yet, I long for alone time, studio time, extended time not punctuated by the physical and emotional demands of young children.

On the other hand, they have indeed given me something to say. They teach me about imagination, and about the flexibility of timeless literary heroes--King Arthur, Robin Hood, Paul Bunyan. One young cowboy in a recent game, untied me (the forlorn maiden) from the tracks, rescued me from the oncomming train, and then took me to visit Santa Claus with Dora and Boots. You just don't get that kind of twist plot from older kids.

In fact, since I have made writing and illustrating my work, they are consumed with story . "That would make a great story," they both chime in when they over hear something interesting, banter words around, or stumble onto a funny thought. Last week, my older son commented that the sun streaming through the honey on his toast made "golden webs of honey." Who is the author? We all are. We all have a story tell, an image to share, a lesson learned. Not only have my children "given me something to say," they are my throughline, my lifeline, my plotline.

(But I'd still like a babysitter so I can meet my deadlines.)

Cafe Press Grand Opening

Writing, reading and drawing should come first for me but the computer is an amazing procrastination tool.

Therefore, I am excited to announce that I will be opening an on-line shop through Cafepress. Please check-in over the next few weeks to see my bold and sometimes whimsical illustrations on t-shirts, mugs, greeting cards and other gift items. If you like what you see, buy something or just pass on the link to other people.

I've been trying to make my site more interesting to general web traffic. Hence the shop and the blog--don't know if anyone is interested in my musings. I am working on a "just for kids" page with cool links to writing and illustration contests, as well as my favorite children's books. If you like what you see or have a suggestion, feel free to email me. Just click on the contact button for my email.

Valentine's Day Dream

Last night, I dreamt of people in my past.

I played Yahtzee with my Great Aunt Esther, who looked great by the way. She had a full head of hair, not the wig she wore at the end of her life. One of her sisters was there as well. I’m not sure if it was my Grandmother or Great Aunt Fagi. But I watched them play and laugh. Those women had so much spunk and spirit. I tried to tell them how much I missed them, how important they were to me, but they wanted to keep the conversation light. In life, I never knew them to play Yahtzee, only cards.

My small child climbed into bed with me and they were lost.

Early this morning, I had a romantic encounter with the man who took me to my senior prom. He still had eyes that sparkled and a smile that that oozed mischief. We talked about our lives and the mistakes we’ve made. When I kissed him, he turned into my husband.

Next, I tried to fill a hammer shaped bath tub in a friend’s hotel room. I think the friends were from college or summer camp. I cranked the water and drain knobs every which way, but the water would not fill the tub. The drain and pipes began to clatter and vibrate. We all ran from the bathroom and the tub exploded from the pressure of the hot water in the pipes.

Happy St. Valentine’s Day.

Figure Drawing

Despite the forecast from the prophets for snow, I drove 30 minutes to Bowdoinham last night. My destination was a figure drawing opportunity. There is a group of artist who have been meeting in the upstairs studio of a large barn for almost a decade. I happened upon the group on the website of one of the artists. The price is right (the price of the model) and the company is light, and liberal, but focused.

I noticed the barn because of the cars parked in front. After following country roads and getting a little turned around, I was glad to be in the right place. I immediately felt confused again when I entered the barn. I heard voices but tried a bunch of spaces in the barn until I found the upstairs studio. The sliding door opened followed by a blast of hot air. The wood stove was stoked to keep the model comfortable. I was late but settled in and started sketching.

We sketched a series of one minute gestures followed by five, ten, fifteen and finally a half-hour poses. I realized that a new newsprint sketch pad was in order as I flipped through page after page that I will probably end up recycling. It was great to rediscover big paper after being confined to drawings that fit a scanner. After the first few gestures, I felt my line loosen up. I worked with Conte’, pencil and charcoal and came away with a few drawings that showed a decent grasp of proportion, and movement. Next time, I think I’ll focus on a few quick portraits to build my confidence in that area too.

The snow started after midnight this morning and it has been snowing ever since. The prophets say it will continue through tomorrow. It is heavy and will probably leave downed lines and trees in its wake. For now though, it is truly a winter wonderland.

Existential Plane Ride

"The world would be diminished without each of us." -Mary Ann

I had an existential plane ride. One of those moments when you feel you are in the right place at the right time. The strangers around you become acquaintances and then friends and then you feel that you were all meant to be in that place at that time.

On that ride, from New York City to Portland, Maine I met Mary Ann. A theology professor from Erie, Pennsylvania, Mary Ann helped me feel that I was on the right path. She complemented my art and helped rekindle a fire in my soul and in my belly.

That fire had been raked over by an overwhelming and emotional trip to the national conference of the Society of Children's Book Writers and illustrators. The conference was a paradox of support and tough love for the illustrators. I was pleased to meet Celia Yung, Tomie De Paola, Robert Sabuda, Priscilla Burris of the national board. However, their honesty about the field and their insistance that the conference was not a place to learn the craft (that, they said must happen through schools who teach art classes.) was sometimes frustrating.

Many of the speakers were funny, and poignant: Gail Carson Levine, Jerry Spinelli, Esme' Rah Cordell (check out Planet Esme'), Susan Jeffers, and Janie Bynum were my favorites.

So what now? Keep stoking the fires. I plan to focus on classes in painting and drawing to refine my skills and improve my use of acryllics. Read! On my list: Uri Shulevitz's Writing With Pictures and Word Painting by Revecca McClanahan. Write. Every day. And maybe this blog will help. Draw! Every day. I do solemnly swear to have my sketch pad in the car so I can sketch while I wait for children in their various activities. Believe! I will take their warnings and admonitions as a challenge.

Burn baby, burn.