One of the best things about being a picture book creator is the way connections are made through books and art. A couple of years ago I met a young artist named Aarav and his mother at a Family Literacy Day event. Aarav shared a book that he had written and illustrated using plasticine. I was impressed and delighted to meet a fellow clay artist. Aarav’s mum kept us in touch and the next year she shared the exciting news that he had entered the 2020 Toronto Public Library’s annual Design-a-Bookmark contest for kids under 13 years of age. Aarav’s design was created with plasticine and was a winner in the age 7-9 category. In 2021 he created another winning bookmark with artwork created using a curled paper technique, and had the extra distinction of being an Elizabeth Cleaver Award selection. Along with the good news I received a beautiful card by Aarav that is now displayed in my studio.
Canadian author and illustrator Elizabeth Cleaver was a trailblazer as a creator of multi medium and dimensional art. Her book The Enchanted Caribou, illustrated with shadow puppets, was a favourite with our daughters when they were small. I didn’t get to meet Elizabeth, but I followed in her footsteps on my first book tour in northern Manitoba and later was honoured to receive my own Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Picture Book Award.
Just like Aarav and the other bookmark artists, I entered art contests when I was a young. Contests gave me projects to try and the opportunity to learn from other artists and to share my art. It was sometimes scary to show my work, but getting positive feedback gave me confidence to keep at it. Each of the TPL bookmark contest designs were wonderful and unique. Congratulations ALL the artists who entered for their creativity and courage. Libraries are an excellent resource for young creators and their families to learn about contests and programs. You can learn more about the TPL Bookmark contest here.
Thanks to books, libraries and contests, artists from different places and times are able to inspire each other. Cheers to all the creative connections!
