{"id":1917,"date":"2010-04-06T00:01:13","date_gmt":"2010-04-06T06:01:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blaine.org\/sevenimpossiblethings\/?p=1917"},"modified":"2010-04-06T00:01:16","modified_gmt":"2010-04-06T06:01:16","slug":"seven-questions-over-breakfast-with-tao-nyeu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blaine.org\/sevenimpossiblethings\/?p=1917","title":{"rendered":"Seven Questions Over Breakfast with Tao Nyeu"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ITao Nyeu<\/strong><\/a> is an illustrator relatively new to children’s literature on whom I have a close eye (as well as Kirkus<\/em>, who wrote in their review of Tao’s first title that it was an “intriguing, nuanced debut from an artist to watch”). She’s quickly becoming one of my favorites and sealed the deal with the artistry on display in her latest book, Bunny Days<\/a><\/em><\/strong>, released by Dial Books in January. Bunny Days<\/em> features three slapstick tales of six curious rabbits; one paternal, ever-patient, and very wise Bear; and Mr. and Mrs. Goat, who are simply about their chores in the countryside, only to have their plans foiled by the inquisitive rabbits. The writing is good, and there’s a lot of humor, but it’s Nyeu’s stylized art that really stands out, what Publishers Weekly<\/em> once described as possessing an “Art Nouveau-meets-psychedelic feel.” And if you saw her 2008 debut, which initially began as an MFA project, Wonder Bear<\/a><\/strong><\/em>, you know what I mean. <\/p>\n

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Tao works in silkscreens and water-based inks. The two titles under her belt thus far could serve easily as studies in line. Fluid, bold, and spare, they propel her stories forward. Tao also works in a bold palette; in fact, for Bunny Days<\/em> a dominant color is assigned to each tale (blue, followed by mustard, and then green). These color choices make each story distinctive yet manage to pull them together as one cohesive whole, each story merging effortlessly into the next. It’s all what the New York Times<\/em> has referred to as her “crisp palette.” For Tao, less is more, but it all adds up to a lot of satisfaction for the reader. <\/p>\n

And both of Tao’s titles so far have also been beautifully-designed. For Bunny Days<\/em>—and I am not even making this up, people—the dust jacket comes off and folds out into this gorgeous poster: <\/p>\n

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Nice touch, I say.<\/p>\n

I could go on, but she’s here for a brief visit. “Brief,” as in economically-worded, but she shares lots and LOTS of art, and those, I have to say, are always my favorite interviews. The art speaks louder than words anyway, which would be why I always encourage interviewees to send as many images as possible. Big thanks to Tao for doing so. For our breakfast this morning, she opts for “toast with butter and honey and a soft-boiled egg. And cake. Any kind will do. Oh, and some hot fresh soy milk.”<\/font> CAKE FOR BREAKFAST. I’m there. <\/p>\n

Let’s get to the interview. First, we’ll set the table and get the basics from Tao before our seven questions over breakfast. I thank her kindly for stopping by. <\/p>\n

* * * * * * *<\/font><\/center><\/p>\n

7-Imp<\/font><\/strong>: Are you an illustrator or author\/illustrator?<\/font><\/p>\n

Tao<\/font><\/strong>: Illustrator\/Author.<\/p>\n

7-Imp<\/font><\/strong>: Can you list your books-to-date?<\/font><\/p>\n


\n<\/p>\n

Tao<\/font><\/strong>: <\/p>\n