When working away in the studio, it's important to me to always weave my childlike heart within each illustration I do. Why is that, you ask? I'm a firm believer doing so brings love, joy and HOPE to those who cross paths with my work. Something this world is always in need of and sometimes you and I need a bit of it, too. My desire is to never lose this...to always be a blessing to those around me...one day at a time.
For more wonderful, creative contributions, take a spin over to Michael's blog. And of course, anyone is welcome to join this great online art co-op.
On my recent cross country trip, I encountered so many people and, eventually the question arises, "What do you do for a living?". And so much of the time, when people ask and I tell them about the worlds Sofie and I create, I am taken aback at the level of genuine interest people show. Engineers, nurses, writers, armed forces retirees, auto mechanics, contractors, train workers and, of course, other artists. All of them fascinated by the application of a childhood heart to creativity and the sense I get, as you said above, is that the mere possibility of it all allows for love, joy and hope to surface in them all. It seems to be left to each of them to discover what they will in it but at the root is the genuine happiness that someone can actually make a living from following their heart. From allowing the child within to still rule the day. Every day. Being away from my little world/paracosm for two weeks was incredibly difficult. But oh I appreciate this world when I returned all the more. So glad that you and Michael also put such work and love into the world Alexandra. So glad. . . Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible write up, Nicolas. Thank you! I love what you've shared here too.
DeleteThank you Michael! You both are such inspiring forces thru your art and openness. Long overdue, I finally have made it around to following your blog and your inspired work as well. :)
DeleteIt's lovely to hear about your working method, thanks Alexandra for your sweet words on my blog. I so agree with what you've written here about how art can make people feel happy. That bath sounds like a very good idea! I'll have to remember that one next time I have a stuck moment.
ReplyDeleteJess x
another wonderful drawing!! i usually take a long walk with the dog to get the creative juices flowing. i'll have to give the bubble bath a try next time :)
ReplyDeleteAlexandra,
ReplyDeleteJust love this. To have thought of a little fairy of the mind stimulating in the child. Books come to life with imagination. The girl - I like the way you capture her reading. It really looks like she is reading.
Blessings,
Janis
I can't tell what the fairy's face looks like but I like her wings and her sparkles. & the touch with the red mushroom & the cat photo is a nice
ReplyDeletehave a lovely day.
I love this magical interpretation! You will never lose your childlike heart!
ReplyDeleteNever, Never, Never lose your childlike spirit. It's who you are, and why you are a published children's writer and illustrated. It's why we all love you. Michael gave you good advice...Nothing to clear the mind like a bubble bath. I bet Michael threw in some fairy dust...HaHa
ReplyDeleteHahaha, Wanda. I really dropped the ball there, msut say! I was busy working away on my own regular work but what a grand idea. :)
DeleteOh how sweet your illustration is! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, LOVE your take on the theme, Alexandra! I admit to feeling a little daunted with the theme this week also. Next time I might just try a bubblebath. I so enjoyed reading the process that brought this illustration to fruition. You and Michael make a great team and what a wonderful result! I love the idea of putting a little of your childlike heart into every illustration. It shows.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of your or week.
Such a gentle, peaceful illustration with touches that make the heart sing. The tiny fairy with sparkling 'fairy dust' surrounding her in a cloud, the toadstool, the kitty in the frame, and the little crystals dripping from the lampshade. . . . . . and of course a redheaded girl obviously lost in the story.
ReplyDeleteAlexandra it's so lovely.
Hugs - Mary
I have just had a good catch up. This is a magical page and the sweet fairy flying from the page takes me back to telling my own children stories.
ReplyDeleteYvonne xx
very sweet drawing :) great colours for the theme :)
ReplyDeleteSo sweet to see the fairy flying from the book. So sweet and a lovely take on the theme. Lovely that your hubby knew just what to suggest for you and you trusted him, whala, magic.
ReplyDeletethis came out to so well! So glad you took the advice, stepped away (or was that, "soaked away") for a while? :) It really came out great. This was a perfect image for you to do, lending itself so well to your own sense of childlike wonder we love so much. It's jsut adorable. I love it. Really love the wallpaper too btw. Thank you for playing along yet again! You are too good! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, that young girl is miles and miles away from her beautiful pink room through the wonder of reading! Makes me want to be able to read her book too.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Alexandra. Your child like heart adds a certain magic to your art and your words. Looking at this enchanting illustration made me want to read and dream and become lost in a world of fantasy and fairies...thank you~
ReplyDeleteI see all that sparkle and magic the little fairy brings. How sweet the scene you've created right down to the beautiful room decorations. Oh to get lost in a book! I loved hearing of how you found your way to this. Bubble bath, huh. How divine that sounds.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, truly beautiful! We should always let our inner child be shown!! Big Hugs and Many Blessings!
ReplyDeleteMy dear Alexandra, what a delight, and I mean absolute delight, to "meet" you! I have spent the last few minutes looking at your charming work on your Etsy shop and when I found out you had a blog well, I was over the moon. Your work is truly a work of art and my, how sweet and beautiful it is!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind and gracious comment on my blog as your words were a blessing to read. Also, many thanks for becoming a follower. I, too, have followed your blog and I look forward to getting to know you :)
And finally....I was tickled pink to learn you live in Fort Collins, CO. You see, I live in Eagle, CO! Ah, what a small world.
Have a beautiful week! Hugs!