David Small, Caldecott-winning illustrator of Judith St. George's
So You Want to be President? and artist behind dozens of beloved picture books, stops by to talk about how "success is a bit of a catastrophe for everyone", how drawing led to remembering his childhood which led to creating
Stitches, his graphic novel memoir, and Hallie Durand's
Catch That Cookie (
@PenguinKids), his latest work of illustration.
Anyone who doubts that children's book illustration is an elevated art form should listen to this. Like the best illustrators, David Small lives and works in the context of fine art and literature; he thinks conceptually, draws only from the best influences, and holds himself to a high standard.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment, Tom! David Small is an incredible and talented artist. I have no doubt that there are tens if not hundreds of books on library shelves that wouldn't be there had it not been for the influence of Mr. Small's art on a young and aspiring artist. Thanks for listening!
DeleteComing from someone like Tom Lichtenheld, that says a lot! I enjoy ALL your podcasts, Matthew, but there was something about this one that had an unmistakable air to it that sets it apart. I don't think it's the fact that David Small is one of the most talented illustrators in the field, but your reverence, admiration and love (I see it as love) was so apparent throughout. You expressed what your listeners were feeling, too. Thank you SO much for this. I'm proud to say I've had the pleasure of speaking with David, brief as it may have been, and I find him to be such a warm, down-to-earth person which I think shone brightly in this interview. There's nothing like passionate people and all of you are certainly that. You certainly made my having to iron curtains a MUCH more pleasant task! ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed this chat, Donna! It was a fantastic experience for me and I feel like David and I had a moment all to ourselves over this chat (that we then got to share with the world). He's an awesome guy and a gift to many, many readers.
DeleteThis one is also INCREDIBLE.
ReplyDeleteI had the opportunity to see David speak at an SCBWI-LA Summer Conference a few years ago, and then attended his illustrator's intensive workshop, and it was life-altering.
He speaks from his heart in a way that speaks directly to other people's hearts.
He owns and shares his truth, and it's a powerful, powerful thing.
I just loved this episode of the podcast.
Keep up the great work!
I really liked this podcast. He is certainly one of my illustrator role models!
ReplyDelete