I can finally tell a secret that I've had to
keep for the last 2 months. I was asked to be a judge in the children's illustration category for the Governor General's Literary Awards - one of Canada's most prestigious awards. The finalists have just
been announced.
It is a big honor to be asked but the biggest reward was being sent over 100 children's books to review. I got such a great overview of the amazing talent we have in Canada.
The follow up to this is going to be interesting. As an illustrator I have mostly kept to myself - believing, as a creative person, it's best to keep your head down and focus on your own work rather than looking at too much else. But I have to say this has been so enjoyable to see how other illustrators handle certain subjects or choose to fill up a page. I wouldn't be surprised if it shows up in my work.
To see the wonderful finalists check out http://canadacouncil.ca/en/council/news-room/news/2013/gg-finalistes-2
Having said how enjoyable it was I also have to say it was a tough gig - deciding which book is better than another is a very arbitrary thing when styles, subjects and moods vary so much. But it is the nature of awards and I am grateful to have been asked to take part.
It is a big honor to be asked but the biggest reward was being sent over 100 children's books to review. I got such a great overview of the amazing talent we have in Canada.
The follow up to this is going to be interesting. As an illustrator I have mostly kept to myself - believing, as a creative person, it's best to keep your head down and focus on your own work rather than looking at too much else. But I have to say this has been so enjoyable to see how other illustrators handle certain subjects or choose to fill up a page. I wouldn't be surprised if it shows up in my work.
To see the wonderful finalists check out http://canadacouncil.ca/en/council/news-room/news/2013/gg-finalistes-2
Having said how enjoyable it was I also have to say it was a tough gig - deciding which book is better than another is a very arbitrary thing when styles, subjects and moods vary so much. But it is the nature of awards and I am grateful to have been asked to take part.
