| Illustrating Raven House Mouse |
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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! 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.
The price of this book is $19.95 + 9.80 USPS Priority Shipping (Flat Rate Box).
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