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May 6th 2022
Ada and the Galaxies is beautifully illustrated! How did you approach this project? Did you play around with different mediums?
Thank you for your kind words. I experimented with different kinds of paper. I typically paint watercolour on absorbent hot press paper, but the descriptions in the story of vast galaxies and sparkling ocean made me want to paint on more resistant paper. I tried glossy photo papers and even metallic pearl paper. It heightened the complexity of the paint—the pigment has to rest on top of a glossy surface and dry in more unpredictable ways. Those surprises felt fitting for the many elements of this story that are beyond my comprehension, like the idea of the ocean, one hundred billion stars, the feeling of family, and the hundreds of tiny tube feet there are on a starfish.
Many of these illustrations also have photos from the Hubble Telescope in them. It was fun to combine literal photo captures of galaxies with more painterly, poetic feelings of space.
Which illustration did you draw first?
I first drew mussel shells. Some of them are sprinkled throughout the story. In researching for the story, it dawned on me that mussel shells look just like tiny galaxies. I enjoyed studying them and appreciating the poetry of interconnectedness in Alan and Olga’s story.
Do you have a favourite illustration of yours from the book?
The spread of the grandparents’ house at dinnertime is special to me. In the story, a fog suddenly descends during sunset, resulting in the kind of dewy golden light that changes every second. Maryellen, the stellar art director, challenged me not to over-define the scene, to trust the haze. I’m grateful she did. That illustration now reminds me of growing and trusting.
Do you have an illustrator you admire?
My admiration for other illustrators is what continuously makes me want to make illustrations. This question feels like a dare. Just one illustrator? At this minute I am completely overwhelmed by Karlotta Freier’s work. Her pen line and use of colour are so loving. It feels actually miraculous. When I look at her illustrations, I feel tender towards life. Maybe even brave. Her drawing of a flower makes me want to find one and smell it. Her drawing of a person makes me have compassion for myself and the next person I talk to. It’s so kooky that illustration can do that. I don’t believe she has illustrated a children’s book YET, but I will be first in line when she does.
How did you begin your journey as an illustrator?
Drawing has always been the way I sort through my thoughts, and I loved learning about botanical illustration as a teen. I studied illustration in college and in adulthood I began work as a designer of children’s books, keeping illustration as a side enjoyment for ten years. I very gradually shifted to doing illustration more professionally. I hope I am still in my beginning phase.
Do you have any words of wisdom for budding illustrators?
I love to do things correctly, and I’m learning more and more that illustration doesn’t have many rules. Self-expression can be very tricky to wrangle when you are a rule-follower! Trust that whatever tiny, wild thing that excites you about making an illustration is worth your attention.
Ada and the Galaxies is out now.
