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
Come out and hear great stories this Saturday at the Harlem Book Fair.
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