Talking with Artists – Book Review
Bibliography
Cummings, Pat. 1992. Talking with artists.
Plot Summary
This book is a compilation of mini autobiographies about fifteen different artists (the books says there are fourteen, but “one” of the fourteen is the couple Leo and Diane Dillon). Each illustrator gives their own background, childhood illustrations or artwork, and current illustrations. Also, they all answer the same eight questions that Cummings encountered in her school visits. Along with each autobiography is a circa 1992 photo of the artist as well as a photo of them as a child. The reader, whether a child or adult, sees a clearer picture of what being an illustrator means to these fifteen people and can really get to know each one.
Critical Analysis
Since each section is written by the featured illustrator every sections has its own feel or personality. The artists do the work for Cummings whose purpose of this book is to reveal to children that if you love art, “don’t be afraid of the “work” in “artwork.”” By sharing how each artist started in art, every budding artist can find at least one of these people to relate to maybe even find their own illustrator-role model.
The eight questions that each artist answers keep the book consistent and exciting. By the time I got to the Lane Smith section, I couldn’t wait to see if his answers were going to be as whacky and interesting as his illustrations (they were). These questions also help the illustrators to show themselves with words for once instead of with only art (although some are authors as well).
This book could also be inspirational to youngsters because it reveals the artists’ early childhood artwork and then current artwork. For a child to see how different or better someone’s art can be as long as they keep trying, could help a child find a career as an illustrator someday.
The book is easy to read and very enjoyable. The short sections make it a simple book to read in spurts as well. Any child who enjoys drawing or art in general could easily love this book. Everyone else can enjoy the humor presented by some artists and the early encouragement other artists received.
As a side note, this collection of autobiographies was collected in 1992. I think that computers and the internet has changed many things, including art, but I think this book’s mission still holds true, even though I think artists today would be telling a slightly different story about how they work.
Reviewed Excerpts
The Horn Book: “No effort has been spared to make this a substantial, but not formidable, reference: even the childhood artworks are accorded the same respect given those produced as adults, with information appended about the medium used, size of the original, and title."”
School Library Journal: “Young artists will learn a lot; teachers and other children will also love it."
Connections
-Have art students start a time capsule of their artwork. This will help them value their own art and art in general.
-Compare and contrast how each illustrator started and how they each landed their first book illustration opportunity.
-Have students write a story as a class and have another class illustrate it. Discuss how the pictures are different from what they class had in mind.
-Continue with the other volumes of Talking with Artists.
No comments:
Post a Comment