Playing with shape...

I've been a member of SCBWI - The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators - since 2005. Over the years I've participated in many workshops, conferences, one-of-a-kind events, have published books, and have been deeply inspired by the commitment, passion, skill, love and wisdom of folks in the children's book community. We are all here to share our light with one another - kids and adults alike.

In that spirit I recently initiated a critique group for SCBWI author-illustrators in Portland and will occasionally share ideas and images inspired by our work together. As we settle into a core group we're experimenting with ideas about how to meet individual and group goals. Below is a 2-minute movie sharing my results from the first assignment we gave ourselves. It's all about shape and transformation and playful exploration.

I didn't know what this shape wanted to be so I just started drawing using the digital program Procreate. And of course my mind eventually started 'art directing,' (liking this, but not that) and asking questions: "why did you draw a stuffed animal? It's static and boring and... what's the story?  Where's the movement in these characters? Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah. Wait a minute! This is supposed to be fun - FUN FOR ME! - now: just play and find what wants to come through. There's a story in there somewhere."

So much is happening in the world today that, as an adult, I often feel overwhelmed and muted by an undercurrent of despair. Today’s children are growing up in an era of great change and turmoil. My hope is that within this ongoing cultural transformation, the great Gaia-healing initiatives now in motion will support these kids as they grow. And may their lives be filled with stories of friendship and peace, challenges met, feelings honored, discoveries made, our wondrous diversity, history told true, earth wisdom, and every-day adventures, all told via exuberant, imaginative stories and storytellers.

 The creative mind is a listening presence. It can connect feeling and thought in a provocative state of flow that invites the listener to playfully explore and discover.  Creative play pulls me back into a current of possibilities and reawakens the impetus to live a life of curiosity and wonder and open-hearted sharing. A life of Loving.