CB: What has influenced you most as an illustrator?
LN: I think my greatest influence was my grandfather. With no more than an elementary school education, he designed and built fabulous machines that "flew" over the snow. His SnoPlanes--he built over ninety of them in his lifetime--made winter travel possible (during the 1930s through early 1950s) in the snow bound regions of Idaho and Wyoming, and for Eskimo school children in Alaska. In addition to having a keen sense of functionality for his machines, he also had a keen eye for color and design. A park ranger in Yellowstone once noted that Grandpa's snowplanes were some of the most beautiful crafts he'd ever seen. Not only has my grandfather's artistic sense inspired me, but also his claim that there's, " . . . no such word as can't." He firmly believed that if you have the passion and drive you can achieve whatever you set out to do.
CB: What was the inspiration behind the books you have illustrated?
LN: I endured a very abusive situation when I was a child and it is my passion to share with others what I have learned about emerging from the shadows and living in happiness and joy. In particular, to share my work with children.
LN: Samples of my art are on my art blog. I'm also experimenting with an Etsy shop, where you can find my paperdolls and other goodies. My books on Amazon.
CB: What type of art are you drawn to in picture books?
LN: For me there's no one that can simultaneously touch my heart and sense of humor (and humanness) more than Mo Willems. I could read the Knuffle bunny books over and over again. Trixie so reminds me of my youngest daughter and her early childhood adventures with her teddy bear.
Now, please give it up for Lori...a standing ovation is in order, wouldn't you say? When you sit back down, please tell Lori which illustrations inspire you.
Lori Nawyn is an award-winning writer, illustrator and graphic designer whose key passion in life is to help others discover their own unique inner strengths. Her short stories, which touch on surviving grief and thriving with joy, have been included in six anthologies. Her essays and articles have been featured in numerous print and online publications, and she is the author of seven books. Wife of a fireman, mother of four, grandmother of four, and mentor to three opinionated dogs she's training for urban mushing, Lori enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, reading, and growing basil and lavender. |