This weekend I had a wonderful visit from the lovely, Zetta Elliott. I am so lucky to have crossed paths with some pretty phenomenal creative people over the years. Zetta holds a very special place in my heart because she is the author of Bird, but also because I am learning and questioning something every second in … Read more
continued from Living diversly…part 2 Graduation came and went. Syracuse offered a program called summer institute that allowed incoming minority freshman to take a few classes and bond with other students before the school year officially began. I was so excited to begin college early and to meet other students. As kids often do, I … Read more
I am in Georgia for two days for a family event, and am soooo lucky to be here in time to see Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney, on display now at The High Museum of Art! If you are in the area, ppppplllllleeeeaaaaassssseeeee make sure you can see this show.
continued from “Living Diversly. . . Part 1“ “Nigger!” I had heard the word before, but never hurled at me out of anger. I had heard it at home, mostly at my grandmother’s house when she referred to black folks who she decided didn’t work hard at anything, were undereducated and those who sounded ignorant … Read more
Yesterday I spoke on a panel with Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambatti, Kekla Magoon, Bil Wright, Paula Young, and Wade Hudson on the state of African-American Children’s Books. Each voice was unique in its experience within the industry. Wade Hudson, co-founder of Just Us Books brought to the table over 20 years of experience in making, promoting, and … Read more
Recently there has been a lot of discussion on diversity in both my book world and my academic world. Who’s fault is it that the majority of books being created today reflect limited experiences? Why aren’t there more students of color enrolling and staying in higher ed? Is it the fault of publishers for not … Read more
Last Monday I checked off another item from my bucket list. I was a juror for the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show. I sat in a room with Brian Floca, Jennifer M. Brown, Robert Andrew Parker, Raul Colon, The Brothers Hilts, Ann Bobco, Barbara McClintock, Jason Chin, Jeanette Winter and looked at over … Read more
Ever wish you could receive stunning picturebooks in the mail each month for yourself or you a loved one? Zoobean is a service that not only offers picturebooks by mail, but you can also personalize subscriptions by age, gender, and interests. Created by fellow Syracuse University alumn, Felix Brandon Lloyd and his wife Jordan Bookey, … Read more
I was talking with The Bean recently about the joys of masking. We debated the pros and cons of frisket film vs. masking fluid. I am a huge fan of masking fluid because I can paint it directly onto my paper instead of having to wrangle with scissors and X-Acto blades to cut perfect shapes … 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