Word. 2022
We’re back from a delightful weekend of celebrating Word, the Blue Hill Literary Arts Festival.
It’s back in person after two years of virtual programs. I am still pinching myself that I was part of the schedule. It began Thursday night, October 20, with a Star Party led by Dwight Lanpher, a member of both Dark Sky Maine and the International Dark Sky Association as well as thirteen other astronomical organizations. An electrical engineer by day, this guy knows his galaxy!
The clear night allowed Dwight to give an incredible tour of the visible constellations with a running banter about light years and Greek mythology woven seamlessly together. First he demonstrated the “astronomer’s salute” which is: turning your back on any offending headlights approaching. Because it takes a good fifteen minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Don’t mess with that.
As it got darker, more stars glittered. Dwight had set up his telescope so everyone could take turns viewing Jupiter, the first planet visible. He had a totally cool device: a laser pointer that can reach a mile into the sky, locating each star in the constellations we could observe with our naked eyes. He pointed out Ursa Major, Polaris, Ursa Minor, Vega, Pegasus, Cepheus, Cassiopeia, Arcturus, Drago. I learned so much! Part of my impetus to write Skywatcher was to understand all I could about why the dark matters.
He also operated Stellina, a smart telescope that could detect and photograph super distant objects with GPS. It would take a few minutes for the image to clearly emerge, as the telescope captured layers of data, which we could see on a screen.
Say hello to the Lagoon Nebula, a vast interstellar cloud in the constellation Sagittarius that is 4000 light years away and an active stellar nursery.
Between the technology and the Milky Way arching overhead, I was blown away. Thank you, Dwight and Word.
On October 21 I visited the Blue Hill Consolidated School, where librarian Tracy Gandy had my presentation ready to go. Her bat print skirt and my moon phase dress were simpatico for this season of long nights.
Before meeting the third grade and second grade classes, I had lunch from the cafeteria with Music Specialist, Audrey Albert, and Visual Art Specialist, Penny Ricker. Small world moment: Penny’s sister, Karyl Hayes, once did a painting of our house! After my warm welcome, I read Skywatcher to each class, followed by a short back story on the making of the book. I emphasized that it takes plenty of research, writing, drawing, drawing, and more drawing to make a picture book.
Then each student plucked a small animal toy from my grab bag for some observational drawing with colored pencils. I loved what details they captured!
This artist did what I love to do: combine observation with imagination. They drew the loon decoy and then added an environment of frothy waves and yellow sunshine.
This artist, a fan of blue, created a color contrast for the red octopus.
I met Nora Bradford, a second grade teacher, who had recently taken delivery of a Welcoming Library, which we transported on behalf of our heroines at I’m Your Neighbor Books. Hooray for diverse literature for young readers!
She also had a copy of Bear and the Oxbow Island Gang, which I signed. (Shhhh, I’m about to begin illustrating the fourth book in this fun environmental series by my island neighbor, Rae Chalmers.)
After the classes impressed me with their curiosity and fresh drawings, Tracy gave me a tour of the school. I caught Penny Ricker, the Visual Arts Specialist, in action amidst the high energy of eighth grade artists. I consider the art classroom a haven where kids can be themselves, and clearly Penny makes a space for this.
This sign outside her door sums it all up.
Thank you, Blue Hill Consolidated School and Word for a stellar visit!
We headed back to our guest cottage in Brooklin, near the Wooden Boat School. I couldn’t resist stopping to admire this fellow skywatcher, always looking up. I could find no credit or signage, help me out if you know the artist.
We had Friday night plans to attend a Word reception and also a talk with author Lily King. But I lost steam for the drive back into Blue Hill:( and instead we walked to the shore at dusk. Later we spied some shooting stars from the Orionid meteor shower and a pair of startled deer, before a long night of deep rest.
On Saturday morning, I presented Stardust and Sketching at the venerable Blue Hill Public Library. Here’s the intrepid Word crew who gave support, including award-winning author Ellen Booraem on the top left, who invited me and coordinated my programs and itinerary.
bottom: librarian Claire Malina and Blue Hill Books owner, Samantha Haskell
Drawing with everyone is the best part.
This drawing by Lincoln was a fun surprise. He drew a reindeer and added an ecosystem on it’s back, pine tree legs, and roots that reach underground. Is that not a profound illustration? These encounters with young artists are a shot in the arm!
After the program, Marty and I wandered through the library, chock full of art and curious objects. Go check out the Midcoast Maine Book Arts exhibit on display in the Howard Room.
I recently discovered Francis Hamabe, thanks to his work in the just opened Great State of Maine Illustration show at the Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk. His graphic illustrations of local settings are still so fresh.
We stopped at Blue Hill Books, a sweet temple to literary arts and supporter of the Word Festival.
We returned to the field where the star party happened, across the road from the trail up Blue Hill Mountain. After a sunny picnic, we hiked up a ways for the view, feeling on top of the world.
Next we stopped at the First Congregational Church where poetry readings were underway. Jason Grundstrom-Whitney read works full of archetypes like Bear, Coyote, and Raven. Plus he played a mean blues harmonica:)
We ducked out to see the exhibit of Word. Art. at the Cynthia Winings Gallery nearby, a terrific ode to text in art.
We rode around East Blue Hill and found this spot. (I drew this pastel study after returning to Peaks.)
After a quick bite at Marlintini’s we attended the conversation at the church between Phuc Tran and Samantha Haskell.
Phuc did live storytelling around the Portland area, and also a Ted talk in 2012 that led him to an agent. He declared, “Words are inherently slippery,” and talked about his porous creative process, love of puns, and punk rock. He said the writing of his memoir, Sigh, Gone was like getting to the top of Mt. Everest. But to get back down, there was editing.
He revealed that he’s working on a children’s book series about a cranky crane!
The whole exchange was informative, humorous, and audience questions were deep. We had much to distill as we drove back to Brooklin, taking in the local sights.
On Sunday morning we packed up and joined the festival folks at Humblebee Cafe, where Phuc told us he took every art class in high school, which helped him become a legendary tattoo artist.
From there, we had to head home. So absolutely full of Word love! Many thanks to all those who labored to bring this together, and especially to Sherry Streeter and Jon Wilson, our generous hosts. Our Blue Hill adventures will provide inspiration for a long time.
Reason I Still Dream
What a sweet time reconnecting with my fellow alums from Rhode Island School of Design‘s Class of 1980 last week! We missed our 40th reunion in 2020, thanks to the pandemic. When the invitation came in to celebrate the inauguration of the school’s 18th president, Crystal Williams, I wanted to be there.
Ged Kenslea (Film & Video) flew in from Los Angeles, where he has been the Senior Director of Communications for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation for 27 years. On October 6, we drove to Barrington where Rika Smith (Painting) hosted a lovely dinner for us, joined by David Hicks (Painting) and Madeline Sorel (Illustration) with a stop at the beach for sunset (above).
Friday was a fine day in Providence!
We gals got spiffy. This amazing mural is by Gaia Street Art.
I could hear the strains of a brassy band…yes! It was the Undertow Brass Band (FKA What Cheer Brigade) honking up a storm.
Here comes the parade of regalia!
During greetings from the RISD Community, Rex Wong (Architecture) represented alumni, and said he discovered what RISD also stands for: Reason I Still Dream. Yes!
During her Inaugural Address, Crystal Williams spoke about the need for five actions: Amplify, Engage, Cultivate, Evolve, and Connect. Amen!
Afterwards, our little tribe mingled, a bit incredulous that it’s been 42 years since we graduated.
After a hearty lunch during the Community Celebration at Market Square, we shopped at the RISD Store and strolled over to the Nature Lab, one of my all time favorite places.
Everyone had specimens to explore, memories to unpack. I quickly sketched the resident bear.
I couldn’t find a chickadee, but this scarlet tanager would do nicely as a sketch subject.
Unbeknownst to me, Ged had just picked up this souvenir for me! Such serendipity.
I also sketched this cute turtle, just the right metaphor for poking around the school.
There’s much more to the Nature Lab these days. We found serenity in the Bio Lab’s greenery and organic forms.
We headed down College Hill, where this sign made so much sense: “Trees show us the beauty of letting things go.”
We found our way to the Open Studios in the Apparel Design Department, where a gracious faculty member, Jeung-Hwa Park, gave us a tour.
The best serendipity of all was running into Crystal Williams on our walk back to our car! Cheers and congratulations all around!
That exchange truly topped a glorious day on campus. Back when we were students this river was paved over. Soon it would be the scene of Water Fire.
We hung out at Ged and David’s rental for happy hour, joined by two more from our class, Sue Gilzow and James Finkle, both Graphic Design majors who fell in love at RISD.
We dined at a vintage gem in Providence’s historic Federal Hill, Joe Marzili’s Old Canteen.
For some reason, the service was as slow as molasses, but it gave us ample time to catch up and imbibe the vintage decor.
We hugged farewells under a nearly full moon, vowing that we won’t let years roll by before we connect and engage again. Thank you, RISD, for the warm welcome and all those formative years learning to cultivate our aesthetic identities. Our careers have evolved over decades during which we have creatively solved one problem after another. May President Williams’ leadership bring RISD into a more inclusive future that amplifies the endeavors of students and alumni making the world a better place.
Thanks for reading!
A slice of summer
This summer has been fast and furious. But fruitful!
I attended my first Illustration Institute event of this season in late July, a workshop with illustrator-in-residence, Carin Berger. It was held at the TEIA, the most breezy spot for gathering makers.
Carin’s fellow Faison Resident James Ransome was also participating!
Carin made a wonderful presentation about artists and their collections, the food for inspiration found in artist studios, and she shared her exquisite picture books and process. We each were given a small shallow box in which to create a collage of any kind. Plenty of ephemera fluttered in the sea breezes!
Kirsten Cappy, Executive Director of I’m Your Neighbor Books, found a vintage textbook she couldn’t resist dissecting.
My memory box became an anniversary gift for my husband, Marty. The first four years of our marriage we lived in San Francisco. Maps, stamps, tickets, moons, all momentos of our chapters together.
We departed a couple of days later for a getaway, celebrating our 34th anniversary. Time flies when you share it with a soulmate who likes cake!
We spent our anniversary in Franconia Notch, hiking to Artists Bluff. I grew up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and it felt good to touch home base.
I made a quick sketch from the summit. A steep trail called for some slow looking, and making the moment last!
These mountains inspired an illustration that will soon appear in The Milky Way by Gunnel Larsdotter, to be published by Fulton Books this fall.
The realms of night skies have beckoned me always. I am delighted to be in a group exhibition, Seeds of LIght, at Zero Station Gallery in Portland, Maine.
I’m in the company of incredible artists who share this passion for cosmic dust and nebulas. Please go visit!
Meanwhile I continue to work on two book projects. Here’s a sneak peek from Oh, Chickadee! by Jennifer Jacobson. This non-fiction picture book all about chickadees will be published by McSea Books in 2023. I drew one of my favorite buildings on Peaks, a small red barn right around the corner from the Illustration Institute guest houses.
Marty and I attended a stellar presentation by James Ransome on August 4 at the Portland Public Library.
I love when we learn all the background: where he grew up, how he found art in the local pharmacy (comics for sale), his high school art teacher in New Jersey who encouraged him. Art takes A LOT of support. He shared his early work from high school, and his first illustration jobs. His award-winning author wife, Lesa Cline Ransome, read their book, Before She Was Harriet. Their four children “keep me in my studio” he said. Jerry Pinkney was a mentor for ten years, and James told us he likes to “entertain the eye and think like a filmmaker.”
What a gift to meet them!
Up next was the wedding of my beloved nephew, Garrett Sanborn, to his beautiful bride, Marlee Huston. I made this drawing for them, after learning he proposed during a kayak paddle on a lake in Maine. Yes, those are little sparkly gems stuck on the drawing!
Their ceremony was August 6 under sunny skies at the magical Wanderwood Farm in Nobleboro, Maine. What a joyful day! Every detail was thoughtful, delicious, and I still get weepy savoring it.
But wait, there’s more! Our daughter, Daisy Braun, has installed another exhibit of her incredible sculptures at the Wells Reserve Gallery in Wells, Maine. Her show, being the current, will have a reception tonight, August 11, from 5 – 7 pm. Details HERE.
A former island neighbor, architect Dick Reed, provided astute assistance with the installation. These works are bouyant, made of reed, ribbon, and string, yet they require careful handling and suspension from multiple points.
Meanwhile, I am part of a new group show, Islands. My neighbor, Danielle Madore, has bravely created a daring place for art and conversation at the Crow’s Nest Gallery on Island Avenue. Please stop in this Sunday, 1 – 4 pm.
I am showing a series of gouache paintings I began late last year, after a woodsy walk with Robert Vandersteenhoven, island sculptor and mushroom master. Somini Sengupta in the New York Times says fungi are “agents of reincarnation.” I can tell this topic will provide inspiration for a long time.
Big exhale. So much going on. More to come! I hope you will enjoy the full moon rise tonight, August 11. We hope to catch a glimpse on the ferry ride returning from the Wells Galery reception. May all the powers of nature and art fill you with the same sacred awe that it does me. Enjoy this slice of summer, and gobble it up. My niece, Cristel Hamilton, read a poem at her brother’s wedding, Mary Oliver’s Don’t Hesitate.
Don’t let joy be a crumb!
Zippity zines
Ha! I’ve been called the Patron Saint of Zines, and I won’t argue. I’ve been an advocate of the power of these little vessels of voice and visuals for ages. A zine is any small edition of narrative nuggets that can be drawn, collaged, typed, or stamped. The book I am holding above is the best manual for all the history, techniques, and tips for making your mini-magazine of any idea at all.
I gave a zine assignment nearly every semester I taught at Maine College of Art & Design. They are a great icebreaker, a handy way to see where a student is at with their skills in visual communication, and everyone gets a copy to keep. I have a beloved collection of zines which I’ve added to over the years by buying at zinefests, comic cons, and indie bookstores.
On July 12 I did a drop-in workshop in the Portland Public Library’s Teen Library for the Illustration Institute. The theme was Graphic Medicine, a fitting topic during our ongoing global health crisis. I was welcomed by Teen Librarian, Kelley Blue, and also their Artist-in-Residence, Kelly Ledsworth. My island neighbor, Heather Wasklewicz also stopped in to document the action.
I brought some zines from my stash, in various formats and relevant topics.
I quickly demonstrated the folding technique for a one-page format that is practical for a short two-hour workshop. This one, Wise Wild Life, is by former MECA student, Zoe Reifsnyder.
Kelly is getting their degree in Arts Education at USM, and had painted this cool piece on display. They are leading a Cyanotype workshop on Peaks next week, which I am not gonna miss!
While talking and drawing, ideas take shape.
Sharp eyes, sharp pencils:)
This teen zine maker had the BEST shirt ever.
Old graphic novels, glue sticks, scissors, collage papers, rubber stamps…are all tools for zippety zines.
My zine was titled Under Pressure. Can anybody relate?? I made copies for everyone to take home.
Thank you, Teen Library and Illustration Institute for the space to inform and inspire with zines!
On June 29, I led a zine making workshop for the Merry Barn in Edgecomb, Maine as a visiting artist in their Celebrating Mother Earth writing camp. It was a younger group, but just as mighty. I joined them as they were covering their journals and I knew I was in the right place because…pom poms!
I brought animal toys and nature objects as prompts. Everyone had a unique message and got right down to it. Natalie is an aspiring poet, and composed haikus about nature.
Leo is all about axolotls and took his time practicing his lettering for the cover. I always do rough sketches first, too!
This zine maker is into horses.
Margaret wrote a very haunting story about a dead ocean, and a single tear saved it.
Merry Barn’s founder, Stephanie McSherry, created a zine about all her ocean memories.
A camp helper drew a story board first for a zine titled, Things That Bring Me Joy.
One camper joined us via zoom, and made a collage of animal characters.
My zine, Remember the Merry Barn, featured an elephant inside remembering Mother Earth.
If you’d like to try your hand at making a zine, I have step by step instructions here, from my book, Skywatcher.
I am delighted to be in Seeds of Light, a group exhibition at Zero Station in Portland that opens on July 23, 5 – 8 pm. I hope to see you there!
meeting the current
Our daughter, Daisy Braun, has installed a fabulous display of her sculptures inspired by plankton at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine. She was invited by Manager of Education, Sarah Timm, to be featured in Uncharted: Maine Artists, Maine Waters.
“Daisy Braun, Heather Lyon, and Shoshana White use their chosen media to question, challenge, and celebrate our human relationship to the sea. The future of this relationship is uncharted, and hangs on the collective decisions we make today. Through meaningful play on scale, unexpected visual juxtapositions, and powerful performance, this exhibition series will ask us to measure the weight of our reliance on the oceans in an effort to better understand our responsibility in preserving their future.“
Since Daisy arrived back in Maine in early spring, it’s been fascinating to watch her work take form. First the supplies arrived. Coils and coils of reed.
We visited Bigelow Labs in Boothbay, where Daisy met a plankton scientist to discuss the research done there. She had already submitted sketches to Sarah, but the chance to visit the laboratory and see the exhibit, Majestic Fragility, was an inspiration for both of us.
Daisy began her fascination with plankton at MICA, and has since exhibited sculptures at Art Market Budapest, and at SPACE Gallery in Portland, Maine.
Her process begins with small drawings on paper, which are then drawn larger onto plywood.
She makes a jig with nails. The reed is soaked in hot water and she forms new shapes.
We made a trip to Minneapolis to see family with a detour to view a sculpture show at the Walker Art Center. The work by Liz Larner gave Daisy ideas to simmer.
Playing with scale has been a feature of Daisy’s work, and seeing Claes Oldenburg’s Spoonbridge with Cherry was a high point.
Once back in Maine, there were parts everywhere. What would they become?
Daisy assembles the parts into specific shapes with countless knots of string.
She weaves ribbon to add texture, strength, and color.
Meanwhile I ventured to the Buoy Gallery in Kittery to meet my cousin, Wanda McDonough.
Daisy had a painting in their annual ArtPm show.
Daisy was busy weaving more work in her signature manner. These two pieces would become one during installation.
The tricky part is transporting sculpture from Peaks Island. Car ferry lines add a logistical unknown.
Good news: Maine Maritime Museum staff were ready to assist! Daisy had enormous assistance from Dayne Dennet, a Maintenance Technician who operated a Skyjack.
Together they hung the first sculpture in the lobby’s atrium window.
Honestly, I didn’t even recognize the piece. It became so much more in situ!
The following day, Daisy and Dayne hung the second piece.
These were installed prior to the Museum’s opening day in May. Daisy promptly began new sculptures for the floor level gallery. See how I am helping here?
More swirls, more process.
Daisy moved her workspace down the hill to Ted Haykal’s studio, our fellow artist neighbor.
She had so much more height to hang the pieces. And sunlight!
Once again, the work was installed at Maine Maritime Museum with the help of Dayne, where the gallery had been freshly painted. Thank you all!
We arrived early on June 23 for the opening reception for Uncharted, Maine Artists, Maine Waters and also Zack Horn’s Looking for Winslow Homer.
Yup, mighty proud!
Executive Director Chris Timm welcomed the crowd, and Sarah Timm introduced Daisy as well as Heather Lyons, whose work will be featured in July. Adding contemporary art to the museum’s mission is an opportunity to expand the interpretation of the past, present, and future.
It was beyond wonderful to see so many Peaks Islanders in the audience, as well as beloved family and friends. A lively crowd turned out.
This exhibit will be up through July 16. Please go visit! There’s much to see at this mighty history museum on the banks of the Kennebec River in the City of Ships. Thank you, Maine Maritime Museum!
Oxbow Island Gang flies again!
Here it is, the third story in the Oxbow Island Gang environmental mystery series by my island neighbor and incredible author, Rae Chalmers!
Please join us for a book launch party next Saturday, June 4 at the Peaks Island Community Center. At 12:45 (for those arriving on the 12:15 ferry from Portland) Rae and I will talk a bit about the our most recent collaboration and take questions. From 1:30 to 2:30, there will be children’s activities, games, a raffle, book signing, and food. Hope to see you there!
Rae told me well before I read her third manuscript that this book would involve crows. Suddenly my radar was up, and I saw them everywhere.
I began working in early October, just when Rae and I did some photo shoots around the island to promote Lobster Graveyard. And a crow showed up:)
Crows do seem to make a statement wherever they are.
Rae gives me a list of what she needs for each chapter heading and the first involved birds on a wire. Several walks later, I had my references ready to go.
We met to go over the details, and we gathered some props, like a top hat and an antique bellows.
I love being able to capture my own habitat for illustration. My process involves keeping my eyes sharp on location, taking photos, sketching from them. Once I have a sketch that Rae approves, I enlarge and transfer the sketch to good paper and redraw it in charcoal pencil with some refinements.
When it came to this sketch, I decided to bake before starting the final illustration, because why not.
Eating a slice of my cranberry pie gave me all the senses for drawing the final, can you even tell:)
Peaks Islanders may recognize our police station in this illustration.
Just as I took this photo, the island cops on duty emerged from the garage, asking if I needed anything. “Nope,” I said. (just a little illo recon… )
I rearranged elements to fit the chapter heading dimensions, but kept the same awkward lettering on the sign.
In mid-October, we had a backshore picnic, where Daisy found a little bird skull.
It felt too good not to use for another chapter heading.
I kept working at my deadline while Halloween came and went.
Winter Crows takes place during a blizzard and power outage, so our first storm gave me the authentic feels.
I used this bend in the road and my own hat for reference for another chapter heading.
Savvy readers may recognize the lobster buoys from the second book in the series, that belong to my neighbor, Scott.
Another sketch required some snoozy dog reference, which my nephew’s hound, Sturgil, provided with extra zzzzzs.
Rae is a master of quilts, and I wrapped her character, Turtle, in one for another scene.
This kind of coziness is a side benefit of any winter storm, and we had a few more on Peaks. Thanks to all those who keep our corner clear!
Rae and I take walks now and then once the sun is out.
I generally save the cover illustration for last, if possible. These are my very loose rough ideas that Rae considered.
She liked the graphic look of three crows looking down from their branch, so I did a tighter color rough.
Taking breaks to walk in fresh snow helps my process and always informs my next move.
Upon return I realized I needed to show both Bear and Olivia on the cover, as they appear on the previous books.
Congratulations, Rae, on another wonderful book, with a quirky cast, and important lessons about wildlife and community. I learned my share about crows and more! You can find a copy HERE, for that reader aged 8 – 88. Please do come meet us on June 4!
Family and Art in Apple Valley
We flew to Minneapolis last week for a long overdue visit with Marty’s sister, Carolyn, and her family. The weather verged on rain over the long weekend, but we basked in the sunshine of family, catching up on stories, like one about these ships in a bottle by Marty’s Uncle Jack. How did he get the seagulls in there??
With Friday our only day without rain, we ventured downtown to the Walker Art Center, where we joined other intrepid art seekers.
All ready to take in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden!
This one greeted us warmly.
A row of granite benches engraved with unsettling text by Jenny Holzer gave us pause but not a place to rest.
This is part of The September Room by Mark Manders, and captures the current squeeze that women are in, confined by oppressive forces.
Spoonbridge and Cherry is the garden’s central iconic piece by Claes Oldenburg, and the cherry had just returned from a trip to the studio in NYC for repainting.
Did you know there is a patron saint of librarians? Welcome to Black Vessel for a Saint by Theaster Gates, honoring Saint Laurence, a saint for both librarians and archivists.
How about a monumental swing by Mark di Suvero?
Nothing like scale and unexpected color to bring joy to a dreary day like Katharina Fritsch’s Hahn/Cock.
We made the whole round, and wearily headed back to Apple Valley, with our eyes full. The best was yet to come!
Marty’s niece, Kirsten, arrived. Her lovely wedding in July 2012 was our last visit.
We finally got to meet the twins! These two eight-year-olds are a dynamic duo of delights.
On May Day, we drew our rabbits for good luck. I sketched a Barry Flanagan sculpture seen the day before.
Marty had drawn his on the flight, such a master of good luck from the imagination!
We hung out at the Olson’s house, the hub of comings and goings. It’s full of art, too, like this vintage painting by Marty’s mother, Ann Braun.
Carolyn showed us her latest quilt, with several others under way.
Marty’s niece, Dawn, arrived from Duluth with her family. Lucy kept us all in order.
It was a delicious day of togetherness, with girls leaping about, baseball on the TV, food on the table, games and cake. Filled us to the brim!
On Sunday morning, we made another visit to the Walker’s indoor exhibits. The Liz Larner show was spectacular. So many different ways to conjure space.
Something about this piece made me think of a project Carolyn has underway, a weaving of her father’s ties.
David Hockney’s People, Places, and Things gave us so much to savor. Having grown up swimming in a motel pool, this one submerges me in childhood memories.
As a devoted snail mailer, I laughed at this vintage fax print. Hockney can make the mundane sublime.
There’s a lot to take in. All good. I sketched in the serene lobby while waiting for Marty and Daisy.
We detoured downtown on a tip from Kirsten. So worth it to see this Dylan mural by Eduardo Kobra.
Back at the Olson ranch, there was more family fun before everyone departed.
photo by Kirsten Grupa
Daisy drew this for the girls.
Thanks to the Minnesotans for a sweet visit. We vow to be back before too long, Snoopy!
Dark Sky Week
Did you know it’s Dark Sky Week? There’s no better time to get out and see what’s up in the night sky.
I was thrilled to learn the news that SKYWATCHER is on Bank Street College‘s Best Books of 2021! I’m humbled to be in stellar company of so many wonderful books. Thank you, Bank Street!
I also learned that American Illustration judges had chosen two of my illustrations for their Archive, the cover of SKYWATCHER and this interior illustration. Hoot!
I kicked off my Dark Sky Week by heading to the Merry Barn in Edgecomb, ME on Earth Day for a splendid star gazing party.
This cheerful barn is a haven for community literacy, with retreats, camps, and educational events. Founder Stephanie Noyes McSherry warmly introduced me to a room of fellow stargazers at 6:30 PM. We were connected by our mutual friend, Kim Traina, who has fed me with her friendship since our daughters were little.
Thank you both!
After I read the story and shared some details of my process, craft supplies came out. Folks colored and cut out their animal masks.
How sweet is this quiet luna moth!
This band of birds was hooting up a storm, wild things after my own heart.
By 7:30, the sun had set. Kids ran around in the twilight, with glow bracelets and balls, as one star, then two, appeared.
The clear night began to glitter. Telescopes were on hand. Kids were gleefully squealing in the pitch black. How magical it is to be in real dark. The Merry Barn is in a rural spot, without light pollution, and blessed by the wealth of dark skies that blanket Maine. What a treat to share this memorable evening! Thank you!
On Sunday, April 24, I ventured to Orono to the Jordan Planetarium at the University of Maine. I was invited by Shawn Laatsche, Director, to follow their program about Earth, Moon, and Sun with a reading of SKYWATCHER. Another good reason to wear my moon phase dress!
The lobby has a fun interactive game where you can learn how much you weigh on another planet. My daughter, Daisy, discovered she’d be super heavy on a neutron star.
UMO students, Jeffrey and Brenda, took turns with interactive demonstrations of the sun rising, moon rotations, and constellation locating before and after a swooping ride through the galaxy that’s also a micro-unit on astronomy.
These two, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, are the first two I learned to identify as a child. What about you?
This was a perfect lead into my reading of SKYWATCHER.
Here the two bears grace my story.
I’m no expert on astronomy, which is why creating this book was a joyful challenge to learn all I could. Drawing constellations was a big puzzle; I still have difficulty identifying them with my naked eye outside. But it was cool to see my book larger than life.
It was wonderful to meet little ones sporting clothes with planets and stars and rockets. Kindred spirits! Thank you, UMO, for a fun visit. We headed back to Peaks, ready for more star gazing. Make sure you look for the lunar eclipse that will happen around midnight between May 15 and May 16.
Meanwhile, my island friend and artist/librarian, Kathy Hanley, sent this photo of my book at the central library in Seattle. Pardon me, I don’t get tired of seeing it out in the world!
I’m delighted by and grateful for the way this story is making it’s way in the wild.
We head soon to Minnesota to visit family at long last. My next outing with SKYWATCHER will be in August at the Camden Library‘s Bookfest by the Sea. Til then I will be in my studio working on new books.
Watch out soon for WINTER CROWS by Rae Chalmers. Keep looking up, and shine on!
Kindling Words East
I first heard of Kindling Words years ago from my island neighbor and veteran kids’ book creator, Anne Sibley O’Brien. It sounded like a heavenly gathering of writers, editors, and illustrators of children’s books that took place in January at some cozy B&B in Vermont, completely out of my league.
This year I was ready to get on the lottery list, thanks to the urging of my beloved critique group. But thanks to the post-holiday Covid surge, the event got bumped to end of March.
It was all worth the wait!
A new location, too. Annie and I drove down last Thursday to the new venue in Southbridge, MA. I admit I was ambivalent about going: I’ve been pretty isolated the past two years, have you? Would it be safe and could I possibly be social in a crowd again?
The first evening involved assigned seating and meeting new folks, plus introducing one of our dinner partners to the entire room, a sheer challenge for introverts. Yet, the vibe was welcoming, inclusive, and downright delicious.
A power outage upset the agenda, followed by a fire alarm. We exited the dining room as firetrucks arrived. Hello, hot stuff.
A blown transformer was repaired as we mingled in the drizzle..
The weekend’s theme was inspired by Amanda Gorman‘s poem The MIracle of the Morning:
We ignite not in the light, but in lack thereof,
For it is in loss that we truly learn to love.
In this chaos, we will discover clarity.
In suffering, we must find solidarity.
For it’s our grief that gives us our gratitude,
Shows us how to find hope, if we ever lose it.
So ensure that this ache wasn’t endured in vain:
Do not ignore the pain. Give it purpose. Use it.
On Friday morning, the symposium began with a riveting presentation by author Lesa Cline-Ransome, Finding Light in the Shadows. I’m excited to learn Lesa and her partner, illustrator James Ransome, will be visiting Peaks Island this summer as residents at the Illustration Institute. YESSS!!
Next up Shadra Strickland, brilliant illustrator and educator, presented The Grind and the Glory.
She shared her passion: “to teach children to live their dreams.” Meanwhile, she encouraged us to get specific about ours, to write them down, to declare what really matters to us. She shared her process and art movements that have inspired her approach. Bravo, Shadra!
During the break, I strolled outside with my hotel roommate and prolific author/illustrator, Maryann Cocca-Leffler, where the 100 year old optical factory meets the conference center.
We visited the “library” where all attendees left a book for display. How cool to be in this incredible company!
After lunch, we engaged in “spark spaces” in various conference rooms. These discussions were suggested on a big pad of paper by anyone who wanted to pursue a topic. I joined a hearty group talking about picture book biographies. The wisdom in that room was astounding! Immediately after that, I joined a group titled Book Marketing for Introverts led by Anne Hunter. There was talk of SEO, debut groups, and literary festivals. I kept wondering: how we do all this unpaid work that publishers once did as part of their bargain? Social media work is now an occupational hazard for every creative, and it’s a burden I often resent.
There was happy hour and dinner, followed by a Generative Workshop in the auditorium. We chose colorful papers and envelopes and pens to write our joys, sorrows, and intentions following a video of Amanda reading her poem.
A session of writing from prompts followed, and then a slideshow of all those in the children’s publishing world who had passed into their Next Chapter. Too many gems! Eric Carle, Beverly Cleary, Ashley Bryan, April Pulley Sayre, among so many others. I left completely drained and on the verge of tears.
We were invited to visit the bonfire and let go our little envelopes.
A small gathering in Jen Goldfinger’s room with a little wine helped bring laughter back.
If I thought Friday was non-stop, Saturday was over the top. Best-selling author Tracey Baptiste gave a perceptive and punchy talk, Afraid of the Dark. With images of dark clouds, a dark horse, and the Cookie Monster flashing behind her, she unpacked a deeply researched narrative on language studies.
This is what sets Kindling Words apart: the audience is not passive. Every speaker engaged us to write or draw from our parts untapped, and a few brave ones shared openly. Kudos to Tracey for the intensity, delivered with impeccable style and smart substance.
Next we were treated to the powerful presence of illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton with Making It on Broken Bits and Pieces.
Despite facing dyslexia and synesthesia Vanessa has become a “spreader of sunshine.” After twenty-five years of working in a hospital caring for babies with cancer, she found her audience in children’s books. And what a voice!!! She literally brought down the house with her singing. Vanessa, I bow down, ever grateful for your vision and passion.
At this point, I had dissolved: tears, insights, kinship with these humans, hunger, and being filled to the brim.
I met with amazing author and critique group partner, Jennifer Jacobson. We are doing a book together! Oh, Chickadee! will be published by McSea Books in 2023, and I couldn’t be more delighted. Pinching myself, in fact.
We went over changes to my first little sketch dummy.
I needed some outdoors.
There’s a back forty beyond the hotel where I startled a pair of geese strutting by the river’s edge.
I spied a marvel of turkey tail mushrooms on a stump!
I simply hung around the library and my hotel room upon return. I don’t even know what spark spaces I missed, I just had to reset my social meter with some solitude.
Here I want to applaud award-winning author Crystal Allen, Co-Director, for her warm welcome and gracious leadership. She made sure everyone was just where they needed to be!
And another round of applause for the wondrous author Alison James, Founder and Co-Director, who literally brought the fairy dust! Seriously, she had jars of mica to make everything shine. And my bottle of Treewild casts a magical spell. Thank you!
Saturday night’s Candlelight Readings were a tremendous high point, to finally connect a face with a story or image.
I LOVED LOVED LOVED hearing people read, even a tantalizing 250 words! I ventured to share some pages from my recycled sketchbook, where I am percolating a picture book biography of Beatrix Potter as a young mycologist.
My critique partner, Jen Goldfinger, shared sketches. She’s got an upcoming book, Daisy the Dreamer, with Neal Porter Books.
And our beloved Critter, JJ, also read a sweet bit of magic.
Somewhere in there, we received beautiful prints of either Vanessa’s or Shadra’s illustrations. Gorgeous and generous souvenirs of an epic Kindling Words!
Eventually we closed the evening in the library, among our books and bottles of wine.
These hearty souls by the bonfire, I see you! You warmed my heart with song and poetry on the spot.
Sunday morning: do we look spent or sparked to the max? I owe much to this lovely critique group, that I call the Critters. Without their gentle but persistent nudging and support, I might not have a new book or feel qualified to be at Kindling Words. Thank you, wild things.
The finale for illustrators was a workshop, Ignite the Spark! with Vanessa Brantley-Newton and Shadra Strickland. I only wish this had come sooner, because it was BEYOND fun to play with all that they brought to the table. We watched a nostalgic clip of Disney illustrators painting the same oak tree, both amusing and fascinating. Shadra invited us to tear up her 8-color block prints left from a book. Say WHAAAT?!
Sarah Lynne Reul, and Mary de Palma
It felt wrong to tear up such beautiful art, but I did steal a few bits for my collages. The big surprise was using some ink and breyers to make a textured background.
Here’s a collage by Laya Steinberg that blew me away, a perfect visualization of the feelings, wounds, and growth coming out of this gathering.
Leave it to awesome Annie O’Brien to create a brilliant collage, with a little shine, too! This captures the spirit of Kindling Words, how we spark each other to be our brightest selves.
May we return to our calling, making the best books a child needs to have their lights shine. Thank you for reading!
Star party at Rowe School
I was thrilled last fall to be invited by Jonathan Graffius, PK-5 Outdoor Nature-based Art Teacher at the Amanda C. Rowe School, to visit their stellar school. When I told them about my new book, Skywatcher, the ball got rolling for an all-school star gazing event that was months in the planning.
I finally made a virtual visit last Friday afternoon!
After reading the book to students, I shared a little back story, like this photo of me when I was in fourth grade.
I shared one of the few pieces of kid art I have, a card made for my Grammy that my mum saved.
That collage approach bears a resemblance to my illustration for the Star Gazing column in the Island Times about ten years ago, doesn’t it?
I answered questions from students, like what’s my zodiac sign and my favorite constellation? (A: Libra and Cassiopeia) Eeeeek, here I am looming large in the library!
In the evening, I ferried over to Portland for my first in-person school visit in what feels like forever. I knew I was in the right place when I saw all the amazing art lining the halls!
Everywhere, there were exuberant paintings of the galaxy, a sure sign this event was embraced on many levels. In the gym, volunteers were cutting up my mask templates and folding zines. Cool!
Popcorn and hot chocolate was ready. Yum!
Outside, folks from the Southern Maine Astronomers were setting up their telescopes. Brilliant!
I ran into my dear friend and colleague in kidlit, Maryann Cocca-Leffler, in attendance with her beloved neighbors, Theo and Louise Davis. Maryann, a star in children’s books herself, gave me much support during the development of my book.
By then, the bundled up crowd had gathered. And what a turn-out!
I gave away postcards and stickers at my table, which was a mess of book dummies, pastels, pencils, props, and sketchbooks. I met so many starry students!
How about this beautiful luna moth?
Say hello to these friendly Star Bears!
Kids are curious about my materials. I had a box of Terry Ludwig pastels and small pieces of the sand paper on hand for them to try. Look at this mini masterpiece with shooting stars over a green landscape!
Several students gave me their creations, and I autographed some of theirs:) Thank you!!
Meanwhile, outside the telescopes were getting plenty of action.
The school turned off the parking lot lighting, hooray! It was a new moon, a clear sky, and perfect but for some light pollution towards the Maine Mall.
Between the telescope time, kids dashing about in the dark, flowing through the halls, drawing, dancing, and just being together, this was a star party for the books. I am so grateful my story provided the impetus for art and science to blast off!
Robert Burgess from the SMA later wrote: “…those of us at the Rowe Elementary School in Portland were in another world. If you ever wondered what it’s like to be in a giant molecular cloud of ionized gas, Friday night was it. Based on estimates from the school organizer the crowd consisted of 500 souls, probably 350 of whom were under the age of 10 and had boundless energy and excitement, much like free electrons blasted from their parent atoms!”
Jonathan also wrote, “The community participation and attendance far exceeded everyone’s expectations and dreams. The energy surrounding the whole event was positive and amazing. The evening felt like a time of “Post-Covid” healing for the community and school. It felt more “normal” than we have experienced in a long time.”
Indeed, the enthusiasm I felt was off the charts. Thank you, Rowe School, for a truly cosmic star party celebrating the night sky!
Next up, I will be a guest at the Dark Sky Maine‘s virtual meeting on March 21. In April, I am a visiting artist at the Merry Barn on Earth Day, followed by a public star-gazing event in the evening. Details HERE.
As we head into spring, the weather will allow for longer time in the dark. Keep looking up, skywatchers!
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