ART - Artists from the Master Storytellers Exhbit

MASTER STORYTELLERS

illustrations inspired by Hans Christian Andersen, the Brothers Grimm, Kenneth Graham, Shakespeare and more master storytellers. Curated by Donna Miskend.

On view at 

Poe Park Visitor Center

2540 Grand Concourse, Bronx 

through May 30, 2015 EXTENDED THROUGH JUNE 27, 2015

CLICK here for a schedule of events or call the gallery 718. 365.5516

Yuko Katakawa 2015, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

DM: What story did you illustrate and why did  you choose it?

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I thought it might be fun to show this popular story in a different cultural context (Japanese).                         - Yuko Katakawa

Humpty Dumpty. I grew up with Mother Goose rhymes and this one was fun to add a twist to. Humpty is an egg who had a great fall, so he should be covered in yolk!     - Clare Pernice

I chose Red Riding Hood because there is just so much drama and tension happening throughout the story. As a child reading this story, it's impossible to forget the moment when you realize this little girl in red is about to be eaten by a wolf. The color red is also so intense and iconic (Good marketing strategy on whoever chose the colors) that it just becomes extremely memorable.    - Hyo Taek Kim

The story I did my illustration for is The Nose by Nikolai Gogol, because it's such a strange, memorable, and inspiring story. It's sad, but it's so funny, too. For this, I was thinking back to graphic artists who did satire, such as England's William Hogarth, who lived in the 18th century, and New York's Thomas Nast, who lived in the early 20th century. The story of the nose pokes fun at corrupt bureaucrats and shows great sympathy for the poor.Those artists did the same thing. Artists and writers have been doing that throughout history, and continue to.  - Vicky Rubin

Sonnet 147, Dave Kopka 2015

I chose The Dead Wife from The Yellow Book by Andrew Lang. Despite the clearly morbid title, I really enjoyed that it was about a man and woman who worked together and existed as irreplaceable partners for each other that they could each rely on. I always felt that small stories such as the ones from Lang's fairytale books had a hint of something quietly magical about them, where strange things happened in a world not unlike our own. The Dead Wife had something poignantly sad that reminded me of a Greek tragedy, and it was this simplicity that I wanted to convey.  - Candace Lee

I illustrated The Reluctant Dragon, By Kenneth Grahame. In the story the little boy was able to communicate and understand the dragon. I chose this because I used my imagination to create my own pictures.  - Robin Meeks

The Dark Lady Sonnet 147 by Shakespeare. I felt that this particular sonnet of the series would present an interesting and engaging challenge if I were to reinterpret the words. The man who is writing the sonnet is no longer the victim of this woman's taunting allure, but rather the victim of his own poorly-chosen actions. - Dave Kopka

DM: Did you read the story as a child, in school or as an adult? 

Hyo Taek Kim 2015, Brazilian Red Riding Hood

As a child growing up in Brazil, then as an adult here in the states. In fact, I always thought it was a Brazilian story up until a few years ago, but I guess not.
- Hyo Taek Kim

I read (or was read to) the story as a child. I remember being puzzled by the tale of not so friendly animals, with their absurd designs and schemes, as they are trying to arrange Thumbelina's future for her. - Delphine Hennault

I read Jack and the Beanstalk as a child, over and over again - the giant's world always fascinated me.  - Candace Lee

I actually hadn't heard of either story until my second year in college. There was a History of Illustration course that had exposed me to a good number of fantastic old school illustrators. With that came some of the stories that they had illustrated for, and that's how I happened across Wind in the Willows. The Shakespeare sonnet was apart of another assignment, but the imagery for both stories became sharp enough for me to want to try and make my own pictures for them. - Dave Kopka

DM: Who are the artists that influence your work?

Donna Miskend 2015
How The Leopard Got Its Spots

There are many, but Matisse is one of the most influential. His work is about line, pattern and most of all color. I haven't done collage in many years, but after seeing Matisse's cut paper collage show at MOMA I was inspired to return to it. This series is simpler with a more graphic quality to it versus my earlier collages which were layered with symbolism.  - Donna Miskend

Growing up in France I was most influenced by caricaturists like Honore Daumier, and comic book artists like Claire Bretecher or Herge (the author of Tintin). - Delphine Hennault

I have been influenced by the artwork of Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold, Ezra Jack Keats, and Eric Carle, among many others.

- Nancy Doniger

There are so many artists I find inspirational, but to name some: Arthur Rackham, Harry Clarke, Kay Nielson, Amy Reeder, Winsor McCay, Greg Manchess, and Diane & Leo Dillon. Though a few approaches are similar to each other in appearance, in all the work the differences are very noticeable and I find each artist's work moving for its particular reasons. - Dave Kopka

I currently am enamored with Emily Carroll's style of work: she can convey genuinely haunting tales from her comics, and they all seem to have this rich history she creates with her words. Also, in the more traditional vein, Stuart Immonen is an amazing Marvel artist whose characters are so expressive and well-rendered that I hope to absorb some of that in my own work.   - Candace Lee

DM: What else would you like people to know about you or your work? 

Nancy Doniger 2015, The Peacock and the Crane

Sometimes I work with pieces of cut paper, but in this case I chose to work digitally so that I could focus of the relationship of the birds, tweaking the expressions and positions to make their relationship it clear.  I was able to create and change shapes and positions easily while still having 'cut out' type shapes. Next I plan to make a version of the image in paper collage, and also one as an etching with mono print.  

 - Nancy Doniger  www.donigerillustration.com

I make prints, pillows and other things on my spare time, they can be found at www.society6.com/hyos  . . . and my website is hyotk.com  - Hyo Taek Kim

The first book I illustrated, Write Out of the Oven! by Josephine Waltzis a collection of letters and recipes from more than 50 well-known and award-winning children's authors.   I also have one non-fiction short true story, Standing Up, that has been published, in Chicken Soup for the Child's Soul, Character-Building Stories to Read with Kids Ages 5-8, May 2007.  When I not illustrating or writing, I am a teaching artist with the Vermont Arts Council and the New England Foundation of the Arts.  
Visit www.christinemixart.com    - Christine Mix

My first book, Circus Girl was released recently in 2014. It is a story of make-believe and childhood dress up. Currently I'm working on a companion book, Adventure Boy. My second book of fractured rhymes in the same style as Humpty Dumpty is The Real Mother Goose and will be published soon. - Clare Pernice

I have been working on a rhyming picture book written by my uncle, Steve Kopka, a writer currently working on his own YA series (http://www.cometjack.com). I am also involved in private commissions ranging from poster art to portrait paintings, but my main focus has been on building up my portfolio.  There are many projects I am excited about enveloping myself in and even more I am itching to start. - Dave Kopka

The next show I am curating, Fairytales, will be at the Brooklyn Public Library and run throughout the summer. News will be on my blog along with more exhibit and illustration info. In addition to writing and illustrating, I am also a teaching artist on the rosters of Arts Westchester and recently accepted to Lifetime Arts. I work with children, adults and seniors through these programs and in independent workshops. Thank you to all the artists who participated in Master Storytellers, and sharing their thoughts about their work here. Join several of the artists from the show for an artist panel on April 11 at noon, followed by a conversation with Michael Patrick Hearn, children's literary historian about the stories illustrated in the exhibit and our opening reception. 
- Donna Miskend, curator

ART - AUTHOR: Clare Pernice

CLARE PERNICE is a children's Book author/illustrator and we share a passion for children's books. Clare's book, Circus Girl (published by Simply Read Books) just out this year is a must have for little one's who dream big.

DM: What made you choose to pursue children's books?

CP: My childhood memories and reading to my children have inspired me to create picture books. I love books with unique characters and expressive words. I collect picture books of every shape, size and genre. 

DM: What were your favorite books growing up?

CP: There are three that come to mind. Firstly, Babar, it was my father’s tattered copy from his childhood which he read it to me when I was very, very young. Many of the B&W spot illustrations inside were colored in by him when he was little and then more coloring was added by me, we both had an exuberant scribbly style. I loved this story of the little orphan elephant who was taken in by the rich, old lady. When she took him to be fitted for clothes it was so enchanting because he anthropomorphically transforms and he has all sorts of adventures thereafter.

The Necklace of Raindrops was a book that I discovered by myself at the library, I was about 7. I just loved the stories and especially the Necklace of Raindrops. I dreamed of having such a necklace. The illustrations were also intriguing. Alice in Wonderland is the classic that I’ve never grown tired of. Others worthy of a mention would be Wind in the Willows and Pooh Bear stories as well as Everything written by Enid Blyton.

DM: What was your inspiration for Circus Girl?

CP: Circus Girl was especially inspired by my daughter’s love of dressing up and performing. 

   
DM: Which comes first, the words or the images?

CP: I think that both come together. First the idea germinates, I write it down and begin doodling characters. Then I write some words and more images spring to mind, back and forth. It is definitely a partnership of words and pictures.

DM: What is your favorite medium?

CP: I love colored pencils and watercolor paints, pans, tubes and inks. My favorite brands are from Japan and Germany and England. 

DM: Do you use a computer?

CP: I do like my Macbook and I know I could do a lot more on it besides emailing, researching and exercising a couple of fingers but I haven’t found time yet to learn all the amazing design programs available. One day I’d like to but I derive too much pleasure from art materials!

DM: Did your work in film have any influence on your picture books?
CP: Yes, I think that working on a film from it’s original concept through research, production design, directing, editing and the final result have a parallel pace to making a picture book. My enjoyment and satisfaction comes from being involved in the book’s creation from start to finish. 

DM: What are you working on next?

CP: Currently I’m finishing up artwork for my Mother Goose book which will be published next year and I’m working on Adventure Boy, the companion book to Circus Girl.   

DM: What else would you like people to know about you or your work?
CP: Our dog Milo is famous in Weston, he is the mascot for my son Oliver's sports teams. My daughter Mia is musically gifted and is at a school for the arts. Circus Girl was published by Simply Read Books this year and it has been a wonderful experience to do book signings and read my book to children.  I am thrilled to have the opportunity to converse with Donna about being a picture book author and illustrator. Thank you for interviewing me. 

ABOUT CIRCUS GIRL:
When a little girl plays dress up in her leotard and socks she becomes Circus Girl star of the show. read more HERE.
You can learn more about Clare by visiting her web site at www.clarepernice.com

If you're in the Charleston, SC area she will be signing books at Blue Bicycle Books Dec. 6th.

Clare will be speaking on the artist panel Saturday, February 7th in an interview with the artists for the exhibit Dickens: A Celebration In Pictures. Both our work is included in a selection of work from the bicentennial celebration exhibit of Charles Dickens' classic books on view at the Poe Visitor Center February 3 through 21, 2015. Bring your kids and enjoy a Dickens Character Paper Puppet workshop with us too, see schedule for date info. For schedule information CLICK HERE. 

Art - Artists of the Dickens Exhibit

a conversation with the ARTISTS of the CHILDREN'S BOOK ILLUSTRATORS GROUP (CBIG)

as part of the exhibition:

DICKENS, A CELEBRATION IN PICTURES

ILLUSTRATIONS BY THE CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATORS GROUP

August 25 – October 31, 2012

Yonkers Riverfront Library

One Larkin Center, Yonkers NY 10701

DAY OF DICKENS events: 

September 13 and October 13

Including Craft session with Doreen Mulryan Marts, Dickens Read and Craft session with T. T. Tyler, 2 sessions: Drawing Dickens’ characters, demo/instruction and his Illustration Process, demo with Wallace West, BOOK SALE AND SIGNINGS WITH EXHIBITING CBIG ARTISTS

exhibiting members: Lisa Cinelli, Deborah Cuneo, Diana Ting Delosh, Peggy Dressel, Doris Ettlinger, Laura Goetz, Leeza Hernandez, Mike Herrod, Sara Kahn, H. Ruth Karpes, Lisa Lavoie, Doreen Marts, Donna Miskend, Sawaka Norii, Marilyn Papas, Clare Pernice, Roberta Rivera, Vicky Rubin, Cheryl Taborsky, T. T. Tyler, Wallace West

DM. Why did you choose this scene/character/story to illustrate? 

ARTIST: I love words and no one dishes up a better serving of words than the master himself, Charles Dickens. I have taken a famous scene from the two books that are his most known and loved by children (Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol). I chose these moments to illustrate from each book as they are a dramatic snapshot of character study. Dickens was famous for his never-ending plethora of characters. My third art piece is Charles Dickens.

                                                        - Clare Pernice

Like many fans of Oliver Twist, I remember the famous request, "Please Sir, I want some more." Oliver an orphan, who is in a workhouse with desperately hungry boys, asks Mr. Bumble, the parish beadle for another portion of gruel. 

I chose to illustrate the poor and less fortunate children in this scene, because unfortunately, hunger is still a reality in today’s society.

                                                        - Laura Goetz

I picked the story of Bleak House because it has a great cast of Dickensian characters and a complex plot - everything seems tied together and every character is out to get the other.  I also liked that it's one of Dickens’ lesser-known stories, and hasn't been depicted as often as his more famous ones.

                                                        - Mike Herrod

DM. Did you discover something new or interesting while doing your research for this exhibit?    

ARTIST: Yes. He liked animals. He had a favorite cat named Bob after his character, Bob Cratchit from "A Christmas Carol".  Bob the Cat would sit on his desk and keep him company while he wrote. Apparently Dickens loved holding Bob's paw so much that when the cat died, Dickens had the paw stuffed and made into a letter opener - so he could continue holding his paw. This artifact resides at the NYPL. Dickens also had a pet canary named Dick that he pampered by feeding a thimbleful of sherry every morning.

                                                     - Diana Ting Delosh

DM.  Did YOU LEARN TO APPRECIATE DICKENS FROM READING HIS WORK IN SCHOOL OR FROM SEEING A MOVIE OR PLAY?

ARTIST:  In 7th grade our English Lit anthology was 2 inches thick and had NO PICTURES. When we read Dickens’, A Tale of Two Cities, I doodled pictures of Madam DeFarge, Lucy Darnay, etc. 

Early Work, ©Doris Ettlinger

My classmates were very interested in how I visualized the characters. Little did I know that when I grew up I would do this for a living. Here is a picture I show kids when I do school visits.    

                                        -   Doris Ettlinger

DM. Tell me about your illustration process.

ARTIST: I usually come up with ideas and layouts when I'm walking down the street. I do very rough sketches from these before researching the era, clothing online and in books or prints. I like to draw from life, but if I can't, I use photography, sometimes my own or found photos. Then I carefully sketch in the lightly finished lines and add in the color in whichever medium I choose based on the subject.

                                                        - MARILYN PAPAS

I START DRAWING THUMBNAILS ON LITTLE POSTIE NOTES, NAPKINS OR SCRAPS OF PAPER. THEN I RESEARCH DEPENDING ON WHAT I HAVE TO ILLUSTRATE. THAT MIGHT REQUIRE TRAVELING AND TAKING PHOTOS. AFTER THAT, I MAKE COLOR SKETCHES AND REVISE MY SKETCHES UNTIL I PICK ILLUSTRATIONS THAT ARE SUITABLE FOR THE PROJECT. I LIKE WORKING IN WATERCOLOR, GOUACHE AND NATURAL INGREDIENTS SUCH AS COFFEE AND TEA. I LOVE WORKING IN INKS TOO. THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE HAS HELPED ME IMMENSELY WITH MY WORK.

                                                       - ROBERTA RIVERA

There's always a gesture and expression I have in mind before I start. Then I try to create that gesture and expression by memory or image research and shooting my own photographs. The eyes are my favorite part. They can make or break a character or emotion.

                                                       - WALLACE WEST

                          _____________________________

This exhibition programming is underwritten by the Yonkers Public Library Foundation. Free and open the public.

For further information and a schedule and visit 

www.cbig-nycExhibits.blogspot.com    for more info on cbig exhibits and events
view the catalogue

the library’s Facebook page the Yonkers Public Library Riverfront Branch http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Yonkers-Public-Library/73400644755

or call the library at 914-337-1500

This exhibition programming is underwritten by the Yonkers Public Library Foundation. Ages children - adults Free and open the public.