Artists Blog Tour

I was invited by Marcela Staudenmaier to join a blog tour of writers and illustrators describing their process by answering four questions.

I had the pleasure of Marcela’s company during a children’s book class I was teaching at Rhode Island School of Design this past fall. Having been a 3-dimensional cut paper illustrator for two decades, illustrating over 50 books, I was impressed by Marcela’s wonderful understanding of the medium.

What am I working on now?

Having spent many years illustrating children’s books I’ve recently begun expanding my techniques and broadening my audience. My new book; Ms. Moffatt’s Meditative Mandalas A coloring book of art inspired by life, nature and the cosmos is designed for adults and older children. The self-published book consists of nine pen and ink Mandalas printed on high quality paper ready to take on some color! Please visit my Etsy shop to see more: msMoffatt.etsy.com

Why do I write/illustrate what I do?

In 1999 I suffered from a medical condition that effected my vision. After years of various treatments my eyesight eventually improved enough so I could resume making my art. Fates led me to Mandalas, an art traditionally used for meditative and spiritual purposes. Fascinated by this art form, I began studying its origins and created my own style of Mandala. In this new book, each circular shape is filled with symbolic illustrations, their meanings described in detail.

 

How does your writing/illustrating process work?

For the children’s books I’ve written, my ideas always started with the art, the characters and objects I enjoyed creating. For the Mandalas I start with an idea of what the over all circle will represent. Then I begin to research the symbolic elements that support this idea. These elements determine what the Mandala will look like. I find my Mandalas magically build themselves based on the images and meanings associated with the everyday objects I integrate into the design. The baby Mandala was inspired by the birth of my girlfriends grandson. Each flower has a special meaning.

 

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

Many Mandalas are made up of geometric designs. Some are extremely spiritual. My Mandalas are a little lighter in content. They are a combination of pleasing little illustrations and complementary designs arranged in a series of patterns. I thoroughly enjoy the relaxing and meditative journey each Mandala takes me on. 

 

And now the blog tour continues with my colleague, Susan Novich, another wonderful cut paper artist who grew up in the seaside town of Swampscott, Massachusetts. She earned her B.A. in Communications/Graphic Design from Simmons College in conjunction with the Museum of Fine Arts School in Boston, Massachusetts before receiving her certificate in Children’s Book Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. Susan works as an illustrator, calligrapher, and graphic artist.

In 2010 Susan founded Susabean Studios, creating cut paper illustration, greeting card design and calligraphy as well as licensing for the home décor product market. Her line of greeting cards and prints is available in shops throughout the greater Providence Rhode Island area.visit her website at www.susabean.com

Links to some of the Blog Tour Author/illustrators

Marcela Staudenmaier http://marcelaillustration.blogspot.com/
 Judith Moffatt http://www.judithmoffatt.com/ 

 Susan Novich www.susabean.com

Meg Sadano http://msodanoillustration.com/updates/

Anne Wert http://www.annepwert.com/

Sarita Rich http://saritarich.com/about.html