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Two Owls and a Hen, \/ Four Larks and a Wren, \/
Have all built their nests in my beard!'” — (Edward Lear<\/a><\/strong>)<\/em>
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\nLately I’ve been featuring quite a few student illustrators or illustrators new to the field, haven’t I? I guess it’s because, as I noted<\/a><\/strong> the other day, it’s still January, and I still have a lot of new F&Gs and picture books to go through, and until then, I’ll shine the spotlight on the young ‘uns. Plus, I really enjoy seeing their work. <\/p>\n
Today, I welcome Israeli artist and illustrator Gabriella Barouch<\/a><\/strong>, who works digitally. I emailed her, after seeing the artwork she shares here today, to clarify: “You mean that you start out with pencil on paper, right? And then you muck around with the art, using your computer?” Nope, she said. It’s all digital. Even her sketches. Let’s take a look at some more of her artwork. The ones with Edward Lear’s<\/a><\/strong> nonsense poetry in the captions are from this project<\/a><\/strong> of hers. All images are \u00a9 Gabriella Barouch and used with her permission.<\/em> <\/p>\n Note for any new readers: 7-Imp\u2019s 7 Kicks is a weekly meeting ground for taking some time to reflect on Seven(ish) Exceptionally Fabulous, Beautiful, Interesting, Hilarious, or Otherwise Positive Noteworthy Things from the past week, whether book-related or not, that happened to you. New kickers are always welcome. <\/p>\n 1)<\/strong><\/font> Well, this post from Jama Rattigan<\/a><\/strong>, which features a Mary Oliver poem, just brightened my week: <\/p>\n …But I also say this: that light when it\u2019s done right, touched by their rough and spongy gold, and what are you going to do\u2014 Ah. <\/p>\n 2)<\/strong><\/font> Did you see Lee Wind’s interview<\/a><\/strong> (over at I’m Here. I’m Queer. What the Hell Do I Read?<\/em>) with author\/illustrator Shaun Tan<\/a><\/strong>? Lee asks really great questions, and Shaun says: “I think all of us are vaguely aware that the ‘real world’ we live in happens to be just one of many possibilities.”<\/p>\n (Bonus: Don’t miss the conversation Travis Jonker hosted<\/a><\/strong> between Caldecott winners Chris Raschka<\/a><\/strong> and Erin E. Stead<\/a><\/strong>.)<\/p>\n 3)<\/strong><\/font> We Danielsons watched Frankenweenie<\/a><\/strong><\/em>. At one point towards the end of the movie, Mr. Frankenstein says to his son, Victor: “Sometimes adults don’t know what they’re talking about.” I love that this line is in the movie.<\/p>\n 4)<\/strong><\/font> Speaking of a Stead (as I did above) … Phil and Erin Stead not only make great picture books, but they’re also smart, thoughtful, observant people with good taste<\/em> in others’ picture books. Witness the 4th annual Phildecott and Steadbery Awards<\/a><\/strong>. The tribute to independent bookstores in their opening is especially lovely. <\/p>\n 5)<\/strong><\/font> Thanks to Eisha for pointing this out to me. It’s Ben Harper<\/a><\/strong> with Charlie Musselwhite<\/a><\/strong>, and it’s gooood<\/em>: <\/p>\n
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But, growing too stout, \/ He could never get out, \/
So he passed all his life in that kettle.” — (Edward Lear)<\/em>
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\nGabriella—who loves “vinyl toys, vintage toys, Pez, Paris, children’s books, patterns, nature, amusement parks, and life” and who is inspired by poetry, nonsense, music, and much more—majored in Illustration at Jerusalem’s Bezalel Academy of Art and Design<\/a><\/strong> and has been doing editorial work, commissions from folks all over the world, books, and various projects. She showcases her work at the international 3\u00d73 Gallery<\/a><\/strong> in New York.
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\nIn 2012, Barouch won the Hiii International Illustration Competition<\/a><\/strong> — 2,574 pieces of works from more than sixty countries and regions around the world, she told me. You can see here<\/a><\/strong> at her site the other awards and honors she’s received. She was also chosen “Artist of the Season”<\/a><\/strong> last year for the Jerusalem Season of Culture<\/a><\/strong>.
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\nGabriella also lists her clients here<\/a><\/strong>. Impressive. I don’t see picture books or YA covers on there. YET. I can imagine it, dear Imps. Can’t you? <\/p>\n
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When she found she was tired, \/ She abruptly expired, \/
That unfortunate Lady of Clare.” — (Edward Lear)<\/em>
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For he said, ‘To eat mice \/ Is not very proper or nice,’ \/
That amiable man of Dumbree.” — (Edward Lear)<\/em>
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\nis an invitation
\nto happiness,
\nand that happiness,<\/p>\n
\nis a kind of holiness,
\npalpable and redemptive.
\nInside the bright fields,<\/p>\n
\nI am washed and washed
\nin the river
\nof earthly delight\u2014<\/p>\n
\nwhat can you do
\nabout it\u2014
\ndeep, blue night?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/p>\n