As an illustrator of children's books, I am always looking for ways to further develop my artistic vision and writing voice. Picture books allow for a wide range of creative expression, especially when you are the author and illustrator of the work. I've learned much in my study of contemporary greats such as James Gurney, Chris Van Allsburg and Graeme Base.

Using digital and traditional methods, I create paintings that are rich in color and details. I derive much of my inspirations from animals and nature, and use low-angle perspectives to place the viewer on equal terms with the subject. This gives my characters (no matter how small) dignity, and depicts the world through their eyes. Many of my pieces involve animals in natural settings, though I sometimes choose to anthropomorphize them to a degree. Walking the line between fantasy and reality allows viewers to explore believable environment and make a connection with imaginative characters who possess personality, emotions, and wisdom.

Pass the Energy Please!, 2000,
Dawn Publications, CA, oil on board.

Since I was very young I dreamed of becoming a professional artist, having been especially attracted to imagery with good storytelling and metaphor. I graduated from Syracuse University in 1997. Some of my titles include: Pass The Energy Please! (2000), Earth Day Birthday (2003), and Wake Up Bertha Bear (2005).

In the spring of 2007, I graduated with a Masters (MA) Degree in Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) in N.Y. With aid from instructors Melanie Reim, Vincent Di Fate, Greg Manchess, and others, I was able to build on my strengths, while at the same time, address where I have room for improvement. With William Low, I was instructed how to use digital methods to create the desired imagery for The Meadow Mouse, a storybook idea I had conceived years earlier.

Over the course of one day, the mouse learns everything it needs to know about the realities of life in the meadow. Through its experience with various animals, the mouse acquires knowledge and learns vital social skills.

THE MEADOW MOUSE

The mouse climbed up a milkweed plant
To chew on something sweet,
And there he found the caterpillar
Hanging from its feet...

Next the mouse was witness,
To a most amazing sight -
Tiny insects dancing
In a symphony of light...

The shiny rock sprang to life
And out emerged a head -
Revealed it wasn't land, rather,
A turtle shell instead...

ANIMAL OLYMPICS

The snail team from Paris has something to prove,
Always being judged by how slowly they move -
"We'll put on a show for the whole world to see"
"We're not just a tasty French delicacy!"

As part of my final project at FIT, I developed Animal Olympics - a picture book concept where my illustration style and writing style blend seamlessly.

Animal Olympics brings the animals of the world together for a fun and educational ride. Humorous illustrations and rhythmic verse work together to offer lessons on: geography, zoology, sportsmanship, dedication, and global unity - consistent with the true spirit of the Games. All of the characters are adorned with the flags of their countries, so readers can match the animals to their habitats on Earth. The book is set in what resembles ancient Greek ruins. Each page features animals performing different Olympic events, each with a surprising outcome. Much of the story revolves around three French snails, whose attempts at athletics have absurd and inspirational consequences.

The original artwork was executed by digital and traditional means. As well as having enormous potential in the book market, Animal Olympics has all the ingredients for a successful animated film.

Pierre's big event is the hundred-yard dash.
At the sound of a horn they took off like a flash.
For the cheetah from Kenya, gold is a cinch,
But the snail has only traveled an inch!

A down-under dolphin, (who really can swim)
Had his whole country there cheering for him.
Right at the finish the star turned to pose
Allowing the swordfish to win by a nose...

Although all these countries have friendly relations,
There had been a couple disqualifications.
A Japanese shark thought he got a raw deal:
Just because the Norwegians are missing a seal.

Sam, (a twenty-foot snake from Brazil),
Was losing very badly, until...
The serpent showed the African ape,
A wrestling move he couldn't escape.