I have been on a whirlwind of doing nonstop artwork for about 6 months now. Not much time to breathe, let alone blog.
It started with my decision to exhibit at Surtex in New York this May. Surtex is a trade show specializing in art and images for surface and textile design, as well as licensing. Some good friends had attended last May 2008, and reported back about the experience. At that time I had absolutely NO interest in licensing my work. None. Nada. Zip.
And then something happened. I think it had to do with the fact that if there is one thing a reviewer will comment on when writing about my book work, it is the "colorful patterns." So, when I stopped to think that I could actually make the patterns independent of the books, and as an end in and of themselves, I thought "Whoop-de-doo! Now I'll be cookin' with gas!"
And that is exactly what has happened. I've been on a pattern roll and I am obsessed with it. Surtex, here I come!
In addition to Surtex prep, I had to complete the illustrations for the latest Bones book: Bones and the Birthday Clown Mystery by David A. Adler. One thing I can say about that, is that I love working on these books. David Adler has a great way of telling a simple story, yet filling it with wonderful hints at character, while adding a touch of dry wit. That art just finished up a couple of weeks ago.
Next came the SCBWI Conference right here in New England up in Nashua. I taught a workshop on illustrating chapter books, featuring those Bones books of course, and there was prep for that as well as attending the conference itself last weekend. Always a pleasure, of course, and let me add that Cynthia Lord and Floyd Cooper were wonderfully inspiring keynote speakers.
On top of everything else, has been the ongoing project of moving into my new studio at Gorse Mill and getting ready for the grand opening this Friday night, May 1st, as well as Needham Open Studios which will be running all weekend long. Check out the home site and you can download a wonderful brochure here. More than 70 artists open their studios up to the public and participate in this event, which is now in its 11th year!
And if you are around on Friday night, please stop by and say hello at Gorse Mill
Gorse Mill Studios
31 Thorpe Road
Needham, MA
Or try to visit all the wonderful Needham artists over the entire weekend. It's worth the trip!
Now, back to work to meet another deadline.....
Congratulations on all of your great news! I wish I could be at Surtex this year. I know you are going to do great there and make lots of connections. Your work is fantastic!!
Posted by: kathy weller | April 29, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Have a great time in NYC this week-end! Good luck.
Posted by: Mary P | May 18, 2009 at 02:03 PM