For Grownups

I really enjoy visiting schools. I have fun with kids of all ages. As a teacher for twelve years, I know how valuable a fresh voice can be from outside the classroom, and I come not only as an artist, writer, and bookmaker, but also as a teacher. My mission is to encourage children to envision themselves as active participants in the world of literature and in making art. I share my personal history and excitement about books, and I hope that, after I leave, each child understands more fully that human beings make the books they find in the library, and that they can be a part of the book world on many different levels.

I think it is critical that children realize that each person has a voice, and that everyone can make art -- it doesn't have to be "pretty", look like anything in particular, or meet anyone else's expectations. The key is to find a form of self-expression that works.
Some activities that I like to do with kids:

1. Let's make a book!

A presentation on my own book-making process, a short overview of the book-making business, and an exercise during which we each create a book dummy, draw a portrait of the main character, and outline a rough story. I will leave the teacher with a series of exercises and handouts that s/he can do with the class as a follow-up to my visit. I will have a place on my website to display special works from the schools I visit.

2. Making funny faces (what do writers and illustrators do all day?)

I will make a visual presentation of my work process, give a hands-on demonstration of books in various stages of completion, and show photos of my studio and characters from my life. I will do some sketching on a large sketchpad to demonstrate the drawing process and leave the pictures at the school to display if they wish.

3. Where does character come from?

This is an art workshop for older children. How does an artist create a unique character? We will look at images from art history, as well as at more contemporary illustrators and fine artists, to discuss how personality is developed on the page or canvas. We will do some character sketching using some techniques I have developed over the years in my art classes. Plenty of drawing paper, good 2B and 4B pencils, erasers, and a large sketchpad are required for this workshop.

If you are interested in getting in touch with me for a visit or workshop, please contact me well ahead of time. I will bring pencils and pencils for my own drawings, as well as nifty stuff to give away to students.