Amy Bowllan

D.T. Cont...

A.B. What inspires you for your illustrations?
D.T. "I get a charge out of looking at good illustration, so I could spend hours hanging out in the children's section of libraries, book stores and illustration source books. I am especially inspired and encouraged by success stories of other African American children's book illustrators like Jerry Pinkney, Brian Pinkney, James Ransome, Kadir Nelson, Floyd Cooper, Frank Morrison, and Bryan Collier. Whenever that little voice in the back of my head starts telling me that children’s book illustration is a field closed off to me, these talented men keep me driving on. 
Also, I'm a very spiritual person. I believe, like a famous radio talk show host says: "Talent on loan from God." That inspires me, too — knowing that really, there are no limitations, but those I place on myself."

A.B. Who were your favorite illustrators growing up?
D.T. "Growing up, I can't really say that I had any favorite illustrators. I loved the colored-over cross-hatch technique of Maurice Sendak. Some of the first illustrators whose art spoke to me came later. Artists like Gary Kelley, and C.F. Payne, both of which are now into children's books. It wasn't until I discovered Jerry Pinkney, Anna Rich, Jan Spivey Gilchrist, and the others mentioned above, that a spark under me was really lit.
Recently, within the last couple years, I've discovered how much I love to write. Earlier this year, my written word won Lee & Lows New Voices Award Honor. I started writing in a blog as a means to get used to the idea of writing, and actually exposing my words to the world. I had no problem sharing my artwork, but never considered myself a word person. I've discovered some wonderful similarities between painting with oils, and painting with words. So, now, I'm looking forward to telling stories with words and pictures."

To see more of Don's work, visit his website or check out his blog. (HT to Fuse#8 blog)

Posted by Amy Bowllan on May 10, 2006 | Comments (0)