I was amazed at the number of artists I met while attending the SCBWI conference last week. Their business cards carried a bounty of titles: illustrator, art director, graphic designer. My favorite title, however, came from the amazing E.B. Lewis: Artistrator
The power of gorgeous illustration is known to every child who opens a picture book. We’ve talked on Ink Spells about the power of art at every level, from graphic novels to the Wimpy Kid drawings, to pull readers into the written word. And as novelists, we know the importance of cover art in convincing someone to pick up our books in the first place. At the conference, I got a peek into the world of the illustrator who creates those drawings by interpreting the words of the author.
In celebration (and support) of our artist friends, I’m devoting an entire week to Art Appreciation. There will be interviews and picture book reviews, links to artists and their work, and a giveaways of some lovely works of art in book form.
If you are an artist with picture books or other art for sale, please email me (susankayequinn@comcast.net), so I can include you in my Artist Blog Roll of Honor. The blog roll will be up all week, to help artists connect with one another, and for writers to find and support artists.
E.B. Lewis gravely proclaimed that artists “scare people. Because we are critical thinkers who shape lives and minds.” I believe he was speaking of the broader term of “artist,” which includes writers. But special appreciation is due to those who use their visual art talents to draw children into the magical world of reading.
Please stop back next week to enjoy the festivities!
UPDATE: Also please check out this worthy cause to support finding a cure for a rare children’s cancer!
I can't wait to see the pictures for art appreciation week. 😀
I am a HUGE fan of E.B. Lewis. I was subbing last spring, and he came to speak to the 4th and 5th-graders at the school. I already know of and owned his book The Other Side. His talk to those kids, especially to at-risk boys was nothing short of inspiring.
When I've attended conferences, I've been amazed at the talented artists' work. Can't wait to see some here. What a great idea!
Just wanted to say I love your blog! So glad I found it today.
Artistrators always impress me because it's a skill way beyond my ability.
@Stina LOTS of cool stuff coming, including some posts about the parallels between writing and art. 🙂
@Theresa E.B. was very inspiring – you could just feel the passion coming from that man! It doesn't surprise me a bit that he would focus on at-risk boys, given his inspirational story.
@Catherine – Welcome! I hope you'll stop by for the fun next week! 🙂
@Bane Yeah, I'm pretty much limited to hangman.
I loved EB Lewis' work. Thanks for the link. I guest illustrators are trying to get work and that seems like a great place to stir up some interest.
Thanks so much for sharing all this goodness, Susan. I love to use "picture books" for think- alouds with my 4th graders and I've used a few that E.B. Lewis illustrated. His work is amazing.
I'm really looking forward to Art Appreciation week.
I can still remember illustrations from books I read as small child. THey have such an impact!
Glad you had a great time at the conference!
Yay! Next week is going to be so much fun, Susan. What a great idea. 🙂
@LM I'm surprised how many writer/illustrators there are out there, just like there's a lot of MG/YA crossovers. Too much talent!
@MaryC I love the idea of picture books to enthrall the kids – they think they're "too big" for picture books, but they're not!
@Lydia Me too! I wish I had saved some of my childhood picture books, but I only started saving them once I bought them with my OWN money. 🙂
@Shannon I'm so excited! The people I'm lining up to interview are SO COOL. 🙂
I've heard so many good things about SCBWI, I'll have to see if I can go next year.
Illustrations draw me in first thing; they make me pick up a book, or ignore one.
Have a great weekend.
Susan, this is a great idea! Can't wait to see everything.
Oh I missed you there!!! I loved E.B. Lewis' talk though. He made me cry. And his paintings are gorgeous.
Art is awesome, for serious.
I can't wait until next week! I LOVE picture books!
This is a wonderful idea! My brother is an artist, and I've always been so impressed by his talents.
What a great idea. I love the art work in the PBs and often buy them just for me.
This is a great idea! I can't wait to see what you come up with. I admire artist/illustrators so much, since I have no talent. But PB illustrators change lives–I've seen it in many children! Thanks for honoring them.
:o)
Some of my favorites? Nathan Hale and Will Terry. Just love with their styles.
Illustration is the difference between me picking up a picture book or not. I can't imagine how hard they have to work to develop skill!
@MT You would love the conference! But bring extra snacks – there's not enough time to eat with all the socializing/workshops/etc.
@Sheri Thanks for stopping by!
@Lisa There were lots of people I missed! Just means I need to go back. 🙂
@Steph You know it girl!
@Sharon PB are where all reading starts, yeah?
@Susan Please have your brother send me his link! I'll include him in my blogroll!
@C. Lee My boys used to consume their picture books, they loved them so much!
@Jackee I will have to look up those artistrators! Thanks!
@Laura They must have the compulsion, like we do with the writing. 🙂