Another year has presented itself with opportunity and promise. I am not one to make resolutions, but I do have a few “big girl” goals mapped out for myself this year. I am terrible about keeping a zipped lip about most things that happen in my life (I just get so excited to share), but … Read more
I checked two major items off of my bucket list last week – driving to Maine, and visiting Ashley Bryan on Little Cranberry Island. When Deb Taylor asked if I wanted to drive up with her, it was a no brainer. Prior to our departure, a large hurricane had barreled up the east coast causing … Read more
I joined SCBWI when I graduated from college back in the 1900s. Tomorrow, I head to NY for my FIRST EVER SCBWI conference. It will be in intense few day of workshops, including an illustrator intensive on Friday that will cater to specific issues of illustrators. I don’t speak until Sunday, but as a presenter, … Read more
Last night I took B. B. Bright to Harrisburg, PA and read to a boat full of children on the Pride of the Susquehana! The Pride is one of only 7 remaining “authentic” paddle wheel riverboat in the United States. This means that the Pride ONLY uses the paddle wheels for both propulsion and steering. … Read more
What a weekend. Friday afternoon I traveled to NYC to attend the Phillis Wheatley Award ceremony. I met up with my wonderful friend and fellow illustrator, Taeeun Yoo earlier in the day for a great lunch at Cho Dang Gol of Stone Bowl Bibimbap and Dak Galbi. Next we took the 1 train to 125th … Read more
I love my work. I love making something that reaches far beyond my hands and home and touches people in intimate and personal ways. More importantly, I love being able to share my work with young people and hopefully inspire them to follow their dreams. Back in the spring at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, … Read more
Tomorrow I will be working with researcher Charles Limb in his research on creative improvisation. Me and a few of my MICA illustration colleagues were invited last week to come to Johns Hopkins and draw while having our brains scanned. Ummmm, yes, please! It’s my Sheldon Cooper dream come true. Mr. Limb gave a TedTalk … Read more
This Friday I will be sharing preliminary drawings and original art from White Water. If you are in the Harrisburg area, stop by! Third in the Burg, Friday, July 20th 1320 North 3rd Street, Apt. 3 Harrisburg, PA 6-9pm Jonathan Bean is the renowned illustrator of The Pie That Papa Baked, At Night, and One … Read more
One of my dreams has been to use my location drawing/visual journalism work as final artwork. I lived that dream through Bird, and have taken it to another level by illustrating this year’s Baltimore Transmodern Festival poster. A lot of my most interesting projects find me serendipitously, including BIRD. This job was no exception. When … Read more
Last Saturday was the African American Children’s Book Festival created and organized by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambatti. It was a huge event with a fantastic turn out. This year veteran superstar picturebook makers, Jerry Pinkney and Walter Dean Myers were in attendance. I sat in between Floyd Cooper and Jerry Pinkney and was able to get a … Read more