I am on this mad mission to capture the
essence of peculiar children the world over!!!
Why?
Because I feel there is great power in being
distinctive, different from the usual or normal, special,
particular, odd, curious, eccentric, and queer. This summer I am reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar
Children & Quiet: The Power of Introverts In a World
That Can't Stop Talking
In an excerpt from the latter:
But we
make a grave mistake to embrace the Extrovert Ideal so unthinkingly. Some of
our greatest ideas, art, and inventions—from the theory of evolution to van
Goghʼs sunflowers to the personal computer— came from quiet and cerebral people who
knew how to tune in to their inner worlds and the treasures to be found there.
In a
family of TYPE A's I battle constantly with being 'misunderstood' and I've
exhausted myself for decades trying to fit into the great American
"Extrovert Ideal"
What
about us, the peculiar, makes the extrovert so uncomfortable??????
I think
we need to treasure kids that don't fit the 'ideal' by immortalizing them in
picture books & early readers.
WHERE
ARE THE 21ST CENTURY PIPPY LONGSTOCKINGS???????
I LOVE your children! And I have been hearing about that book for a while, it seems to describe me perfectly. I've struggled with that with my family too. That is such a hard thing to explain to others who don't feel that way too.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Crystal. The book is worth the read.
DeleteI second Crystal's words...I LOVE your characters. Peculiar? Who's to say? Inspired, original and full of personality? Yes. I know your work will appear in many picture books, Jen. I am applauding this quest of yours..hooray for all the kids who may not fit into the "norm". Great great post!!
ReplyDeleteShirley, I am so blessed to have blogging friends like you. The vote of confidence you have in my work is empowering. It is hard not knowing where I fit in with this industry so I just decided to draw for love and fun...I think that has been the missing ingredient.
DeleteLove it! Odd, peculiar, unique--words that describe an artist perfectly, I think. Your work is just awesome!
ReplyDeleteI love ya, lady! Thank you for being such a great cheerleader. I admire true artistry like yours and Shirley's. Your work just always takes my breath away!!
DeleteWhat a curiously, queer style of illustration you have. THANK GOD!
ReplyDeleteI love that finish you did of father and sons. Really great.
I recently discovered that I am an introvert. All these years I thought I was an extrovert. NOW it all makes sense.
Okay, I need alone time now.
HAHA! Thank you, Ted! YES!!!! I've finally arrived at that place where I draw for me and the way I see things. I've never had more fun. I am really proud of the father/son piece. I took my time and didn't rush!
DeleteI am a HUGE introvert...like, of the pseudo-hermit kind. I could go for days and not talk to another soul...now I just need to channel that solitude into more illo work and story writing. :)