Illustrating Raven House Mouse
When Jan Steinbright asked me in 2003 to illustrate a children's story about a mouse that gets adopted into a Tlingit clan, my first reaction was, "No! I can't do realistic illustrations!" She assured me that she wanted me to illustrate it in my own personal style. I thought of a second reason I should refuse: there's no way to illustrate a MOUSE for a Tlingit design. But Jan kept insisting that I was the one to do it, and eventually I agreed.

The most difficult part was getting started; finding a style that I could use throughout the book. I looked at books that Robert Davidson illustrated, and Bill Reid, and tried to imitate other artists' styles. I was getting nowhere, and becoming frustrated. I have no trouble creating abstract pieces, or very stylized work. Illustrating a children's story was going to call for representations that were at least semi-realistic, not so abstract that children couldn't recognize what they were. So I stayed stuck for nearly a year.

Jan was becoming increasingly impatient. She told me, just draw in your own style!
Once I started that, all the ideas started coming all by themselves! This is the cover of the wonderful children's story. It's great for adults too.

The book has a glossary in the back for the Tlingit terms used in the story. A wonderful way to learn about another culture's social system and the sense of community and family the llittle mouse longs for and ultimately earns.

Jan has a blog, Winter Nights Arts, where she showcases her artwork, and sells in her Etsy store.

 

 

{rokbox album=|RHM| title=|Kagaak Frightened by Fierce Raven|}images/stories/rhm/fierce raven.jpg{/rokbox} {rokbox album=|RHM| title=|Celbration 1992|}images/stories/rhm/celebration92.jpg{/rokbox} {rokbox album=|RHM| title=|Leader Adopting Kagaak|}images/stories/rhm/adoption.jpg{/rokbox}
Some of the images from the story

 

 

The price of this book is $19.95 + 9.80 USPS Priority Shipping (Flat Rate Box).
Makes a nice gift!

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designs
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Robert Davis Hoffmann, Tlingit

Artist • Woodcarver • Writer

Based in tradition -- Expressed in new forms and materials

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Artist's images and writing © Robert Davis Hoffmann.
No images or copyrighted works herein may be used except by permission.
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