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Thursday, March 4, 2010

"March Forth!"

On Monday I read a review of this gorgeous book and found it on the shelf at the library. I think I've read it every day this week and today I finally checked it out and brought it home so I can look at the illustrations more closely. I can't say whose work I admire more: the author or the illustrator. Joyce Sidman's poems about colors through the seasons are wondrous and imaginative. In this amazing world Pamela Zagarenski has created, everything seems to float in a quiet dreamy place that matches the poetry beautifully. The mixed media collages are detailed, intricate and fanciful and as a budding artist, I am curious how she creates them. (Read an interview and see many beautiful pieces by clicking here). The only issue I have with the book is that it has already filled the niche that I hoped to fill with my own poetry book about a colorful year... it's a bit daunting. It raises the bar on what a quality children's picture book is and only makes the competition tougher!
But March 4th ("March forth!") seems like a good day to take a step forward, even if it's a small step or I'm not sure where I'm going. I finally got a glimmer of inspiration for a piece I need to complete by early April, so maybe I'll head downstairs to move forward a little...

1 comment:

Vivien Zepf said...

Do not compare this book to the work you are doing! Your work is lovely and unique and will find it's own place. There's ALWAYS room on the shelf for another worthwhile book in the collection .... always! Carry on!