A big black tour bus pulled up to our house. I had expected
a “bus” but not one that rock stars used for tours. Even better than rock stars were the forty-two children’s
book lovers from the Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books who
climbed down the steps of the bus and filed into my house. I had to smile.
The purpose behind the Mazza Museum Studio Tour series is to
visit a group of artists in different regions each year. This year they chose
Southern California artists.
And
the honor was mine!
Retired
librarian, Mary Wong from Arizona, initially suggested that the Mazza Museum
contact me as a potential illustrator they might visit for the tour. Among other things, Mary has been a
powerful advocate for my book, A Boy Named Beckoning, and instrumental in getting this book into the
Arizona school and public library system.
The Mazza Museum group, for the most part, came from
Ohio.
The Museum was established
in 1994 at the University of Findlay.
It is ‘the home of original artwork by the most
distinguished and honored illustrators of children’s books. It has the
distinction of being the first and largest teaching museum in the would
specializing in children’s book art.’
The museum collection spans more than 100 years and includes works
illustrated by Randolph Caldecott, Kate Greenaway, Ludwig Bemelmans, and Johnny
Gruelle, and H.A. Rey!
What an exhilarating experience to see the
exuberant faces
of adults who wanted to meet me
and view my humble studio and work. The morning
was cool and overcast, just the way I like it!
The group moved through the house and studio and headed toward
the tents set up for them.
I gave
a brief lecture on how I approach my art for the books A
Boy Named Beckoning and Red Bird Sings (Lerner/Carolroda). I primarily focused on the historical collage elements and
attention to cultural details, which were incorporated into the illustrations.
I did this because I feel passionate about the approach and believe that these
elements add dimension to each story.
Specifically, A Boy Named Beckoning, became my first published attempt at incorporating
mixed media and acrylic. Careful attention was given to the backgrounds. Each
was chosen to help the story move along. For Wassaja’s childhood I used bark
paper. For his entry into the Anglo world and the west, I chose to paint the
illustrations on wood contact paper. To depict Carlos’ life in Chicago I found
a Chicago Tribune newspaper dated October 11, 1872! On it I illustrated the scene of young Carlos Montezuma as
he and his friends sell newspapers. Perhaps he sold the very newspaper I was
painting on over 100 years later!
Red Bird Sings also
presented interesting mixed media challenges. From the very beginning my
co-author, QL Pearce and I had discussed which materials we would use to
enhance the story on each spread. The cover, while painted with acrylics, is an
example of the use of unique elements to augment the art. Its background was an
enlargement from a song book Gertrude Simmons would have been familiar with in
the late 1800’s. To add depth I also added real hair from a wig. The violin
strings in the illustration are genuine and glued in place as is the bow, which
is made of horsehair.
The title page was exciting to create. When I couldn’t
locate a feather from a small red bird, I gathered the molted feathers I had
saved from my white parakeet and dyed them red. I sorted through antique
doilies made by my great grandmother made and incorporated them into the art.
Using faux suede contact paper, I recreated the look of Yankton Sioux
moccasins. Finally, to present the Atlantic Monthly Magazine on which our book
was based, I used period paper and copied the cover of the magazine.
Locating authentic visuals for each spread wasn’t always
possible so I came up with ways to create items that would work. If I couldn’t
find actual old newspapers, I fabricated them with newsprint using the original
scanned articles. Fortunately I was able to find many items. The white and
yellow ribbons with the gold medallion found on page 21 are from a post card
that was from Earlham College. The newspaper clipping found on page 25, is an
actual ad from a period newspaper. I included flowers and buffalo grass that
were indigenous to the region to give a greater dimension. Of course, on each
spread a red bird can be found!
Of these illustrations three were chosen to be part of the
Mazza Museum’s permanent collection:
Red Bird Sings cover and title page. And, A Boy Named
Beckoning’s Chicago/Newspaper page.
After discussing my work on Beckoning and Red Bird Sings, I gave the tour group a preview of upcoming
projects that my co-author and I had recently developed. Under the pergola I displayed a number of illustrations and
featured them in my presentation. I received a great response to the stories.
Dr. Jerry Mallett encouraged me by saying, “You MUST get these published!” Who
could argue with such a dynamic man?
I’m convinced that Q and I are on the right path in presenting these
stories to publishers.
I’m sure that anyone who has had the Mazza touring group
visit was made to feel special, that’s just the way the group is. However, for
one hour and 45 minutes I was made to feel ‘queen for a day’.
I must express special appreciation to Mary Wong of Arizona,
for among other things,
suggesting
me for the Mazza Museum tour.
I am
forever grateful to Benjamin Sapp, Director of the Mazza Museum; and, the
genius and founder of the museum, Dr. Jerry Mallett who showed such enthusiasm
for my work. These two gentlemen were warm and generous with their time and
encouragement.
It was a
privilege to be have been a part of the Mazza Museum Studio Tour and to meet
all the sweet members who disembarked from that great black touring bus on June
26, 2013. Grand wishes for the Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture
Books!
Gina Capaldi, 6/2013
The Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books
also includes ‘five galleries, an amphitheater, library, children’s art studio,
art vault and gift shop, to name just a few of its many features. There is an
interactive area to reinforce the ‘creative nature and art and literacy.” An
important element of the museum, the Dr. Jerry Mallett Institute, offers children’s
programs, adult conferences and professional developments, and contains a
‘wealth of materials and references on children’s books available for research
purposes.” I could go on about this amazing museum and you should check them
out at www.mazzamuseum.org.
The Mazza Museum group, for the most part, came from
Ohio. The Museum was established
in 1994 at the University of Findlay. It is ‘the home of original artwork by the most
distinguished and honored illustrators of children’s books. It has the
distinction of being the first and largest teaching museum in the would
specializing in children’s book art.’
The museum collection spans more than 100 years and includes works
illustrated by Randolph Caldecott, Kate Greenaway, Ludwig Bemelmans, and Johnny
Gruelle, and H.A. Rey!
What an exhilarating experience to see the
Red Bird Sings also
presented interesting mixed media challenges. From the very beginning my
co-author, QL Pearce and I had discussed which materials we would use to
enhance the story on each spread. The cover, while painted with acrylics, is an
example of the use of unique elements to augment the art. Its background was an
enlargement from a song book Gertrude Simmons would have been familiar with in
the late 1800’s. To add depth I also added real hair from a wig. The violin
strings in the illustration are genuine and glued in place as is the bow, which
is made of horsehair. 
I must express special appreciation to Mary Wong of Arizona,
for among other things, suggesting
me for the Mazza Museum tour. I am
forever grateful to Benjamin Sapp, Director of the Mazza Museum; and, the
genius and founder of the museum, Dr. Jerry Mallett who showed such enthusiasm
for my work. These two gentlemen were warm and generous with their time and
encouragement.
