A conversation about the picture books

S.W.

I am always fascinated by the starting points for creativity. Can you tell me something about your starting point for this work?

R.K.

I got tired of communicating solely with adults, (I’m not saying that children are an easier audience but it is definitely different.) I also got frustrated with the one-of-a-kind artwork; the painting that takes everything out of you to create, but will probably only be seen by a few people, and if sold, to even fewer. I love that the printed book can reach a huge amount of people and is affordable to nearly all. I teach art to children the ages of 5 to 9 and this work also inspired me to make a picture book. The imagination and sense of humour that kids have is really inspiring, and worth trying to help fuel, (‘the creative adult is the child who survived’ Ursula K.Le Guin)

S.W.

I immediately warmed to Bea, then I realised that a bee is quite an unusual choice for a lead character in a children’s story. Can you tell me something about why you chose a bee, and any other creatures you considered for the role.

R.K.

Originally the bee stems from ideas me and my mother had years ago, about a picture book with a bumble bee as main character. It is relatively easy to make a bee look cute, and I also wanted lots of expression and humour. At the same time, I wanted to keep the basic physical characteristics (six legs, thorax, abdomen etc) reasonably true to nature. The bee became a fun character to draw. I think the spider is a ‘riskier’ choice of character, - much harder to work with. I briefly thought about a mammal of some sort, but I was really keen on the idea of bugs. Other animals for later stories for sure.

S.W.

How has your teaching work influenced your latest picture book?

R.K.

Before I started teaching, I didn't really have much experience with kids. It was a gradual learning process for sure, but now I feel comfortable in the role, and also with children in general. I'm not sure teaching as actively influenced my picture book. I think it’s the same as with all life experiences; it is a knowledge and something that just becomes part of who you are.

S.W.

You were a child once, so you have the requisite experience!  I recently had the pleasure of interviewing the brilliant Alex Hanna, and asked him ‘Let’s start at the beginning.  Can you remember the moment you wanted to be an artist? How did your interest start?’  Can I put the same question to you?

R.K.

Making stuff in a creative way was there from as far back as I can remember, but as a child you don't see yourself as an artist, the name-tags come, later along with all the social and practical problems. I was always an image maker, and very much observing the world. When I got old enough to have to make choices about profession, I wanted to go to art school. I guess I was an artist from the age of 12ish... knowing that I was artist, and looking at art to seek professional knowledge...looking at the world, and interpreting it.

S.W.

I want to ask if you can remember a specific encounter with an art piece that made you feel as though Art is a real thing, and that it could be a career.

R.K.

My father was a painter and graphic artist. He made his living as a graphic designer. He was ambitious in his art, and he was very talented. It's not for me to say why it went so wrong for him, but it did go very wrong.

When I was a kid, I remember how he helped me and nurtured me as an artist. He had incredible knowledge. I remember the smell of oil paint and the feel of all the other materials...that creative world I was in, and I felt very secure and happy in following that path.  His paintings and drawings definitely inspired me, and I just knew that it was the thing to do: make art.  I promised him never to compromise, and to stay true to my own ideas, and that promise is still here with me today.