Archive for February 3, 2010
Daniel Krall v. Robin Hood
- Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Daniel Krall, and I’m an freelance Illustrator and part-time professor at Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. I attended college here in Baltimore and sort of stuck around, but I grew up on a small farm in Fontana, Pennsylvania (which is still inhabited by one Mom and one large and dangerously affectionate dog). I enjoy drawing and writing, the odd adventure here and there, and being habitually puckish. I’m lucky to be surrounded by lovely and talented friends who are kind enough to buy me drinks and tolerate my nonsense.
My personal work is nearly all tied to narrative. A good story is far and away my most favorite of things.
- Why did you pick the story you chose?
When Meg asked me if I’d like to participate in this project I had a pretty serious list of candidates. As I started filtering through them, Robin Hood came to the surface as the best fit. I had a really idyllic childhood as far as location and potential for out of doors play. I was also fairly isolated and into pretending that sticks were swords. I spent a good amount of my time alone in the woods around our farm fighting off imaginary villains and pretending to be either one of the Knights of the Round Table, or Robin of Sherwood Forest. Also, I’d have to say that the illustrated Howard Pyle editions of both were one of my earliest inspirations and really steered me towards illustration as a career. Robin Hood is the grandfather of so many great fictional heroes, and I’ve always loved the mixture of melancholy, high adventure, and humor associated with him. There isn’t really one definitive version of the Robin Hood story (as it was originally passed by word of mouth and altered to fit the times), and I’ve read and watched a number of very disparate takes on it. I’m going to attempt a hodgepodge of my favorites. Hopefully the mixture will lead to the best version of Robin that I can muster.
I’ve known Daniel for a while now and am really excited to see him pull off Robin Hood. In fact, I can already almost see the illustrations in my head, it’s that perfect of a match! But that’s because I’m well-acquainted with his wonderful illustrations. Are you? You should check out his portfolio while you wait for his first piece February 18!
That’s it for today, but check back tomorrow for three new introductions and three old favorites!
S.britt v. The Bremen Town Musicians
- Who are you and what do you do?
Stephan Britt, a former railroad model and model prisoner is widely known throughout the world for his wildly successful “Potato Ladkas for the Soul” self-help books which have been translated from the original gibberish into 67 languages in over 3 states and climbing. He first developed his zeal for drawing in childhood, in the course of a particularly extended bout of nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), which lasted close to 17 years. During this time, S.britt passed his days by drawing anything and on everything that wasn’t dripping wet. After graduating high school with full dishonors at the age of 26, he then entered the military and subsequently exited 4 years later with a purple heart and a prosthetic head. Meanwhile, he recorded a Top 20 hit single chronicling his time during the war, entitled “Nothin’ But Neck.” Later, settling in rural Conetoe, North Carolina, S.britt married his teenage bride and third cousin (whose teeth were twice removed), Ida O’Gratin, where together they raised anywhere from 5 to 11 children (citation needed). He continued to draw, despite his physical limitations and his artistic shortcomings, until he was discovered by a high powered publisher, whose birdbath he had gravely desecrated. After seeing his eccentric etchings, S.britt was immediately signed to a 50 book contract and ordered to repair the damage he had done to the azaleas and the family horse. Now 87 and in failing health, Mr. Britt continues to release a new book each and every week (except on leap years) and greatly looks forward to one day achieving the honorable distinction of being found not guilty by reason of insanity.
- Why did you pick the story you chose?
There weren’t any big words that I couldn’t sound out myself! That and I’ve always loved lyrical livestock.
Well, if that bio didn’t hook you into Picture Book Report, I’m afraid nothing will. Check back on February 17 to see Stephan’s first illustration for The Bremen Town Musicians
! And of course, explore his beautifully fun portfolio, take a spin in his shop, and if you’re still needing more his Flickr is chock-full of interesting things.
Our last intro for the day is from the esteemed Daniel Krall. What’s he got in store for you? Well, you’ll just have to wait and see.
Lizzy Stewart v. Ella Minnow Pea
- Who are you and what do you do?
I’m a freelance illustrator living in Edinburgh, Scotland. I spend most of my time drawing and dreaming of sunnier climes and the rest of the time aimlessly wandering the beautiful city I live in in the hope of stumbling across a good idea for a children’s book! I am also one half of Sing Statistics, an independent publishing project responsible for ‘We Are The Friction’.
- Why did you pick the story you chose?
I chose Ella Minnow Pea
Lizzy is a talented and sweet person, and graciously agreed to contribute even though I asked her somewhat last-minute! I’m charmed to have her on board; you’ll be charmed when you see her first illustration on February 16! In the meantime, please check out her portfolio and take a gander at Sing Statistics. (It’s projects like that one that helped inspire Picture Book Report to be developed!)
Soon to come, that rascal S.britt shares a well known yarn!
