PreReFoReMo Day 2: Lori Nawyn Illustrates from the Heart

It is with great pleasure that I introduce Lori Nawyn.  Her gentle heart and creative spirit shine through our ReFoReMo badge and all of her illustrations.  As picture book writers, we know the impact illustrations have.  They bring new meaning and life to stories, producing a combined art form unlike any other.  Lori takes her illustrations a step further, and aims to help others.  It is my honor to feature her work here in the ReFoReMo community.

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.

I was so touched to be invited to illustrate Love, Hugs, and Hope! The book was written by a marriage and family therapist, Christy Monson, from Utah. Her heart aching, she wanted to somehow reach out and touch the lives of children after the tragedy at Sandy Hook. She wrote the text the weekend following the shootings; her publisher called me the following Monday. I worked nonstop to complete the illustrations before Christmas. It has touched me deeply the children and parents (not only those associated with Sandy Hook) who have said they have found healing in its pages—whether from death, divorce, loss of a pet, illness, bullying, or abuse, as well as the fear, sadness, and anger we can all feel at times. The book in now used in therapy settings and with children who are hospitalized.

I loved illustrating What Are You Thinking? as well. The book is still selling strong, and has helped children overcome negative emotions and believe in themselves and their capabilities. It will be released as an app late this year. From Head to Tummy was written by the phenomenal Haley Freeman, an anorexia survivor who is passionate about helping children with self-esteem issues and eating disorders.

Addie and Sage are a part of my Gratitude Journal Project on Facebook -- a series of art for all ages that explores what it means to live in gratitude and joy.  I am currently seeking licensing opportunities for the characters (and a turkey, penguin, and duck that accompany the Addie and Sage collection) on gift products.

My paperdolls celebrate the strength, courage, and talent of girls and women across America! They are currently only available on Etsy, and they are just as introductory one-page downloads (and I still need to get all the states uploaded to Etsy). The full doll sets (six pages) include several changes of clothing and articulated toys (in addition to the teddy bear each one has) a craft to complete, and a decorative carrying case kids can assemble themselves. The full sets will be available later this year as already printed sheets and stickers. Read more about the inspiration behind the dolls HERE.

Abbie & Jack are part of my children’s travel series, which will launch spring 2016 with Familius Publishing.

CB:  Where can we find your work? 

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.

I love the work of Brian Floca, in particular his book Locomotive, because I frequently write about the history of the transcontinental railroad.

I also enjoy the mesmerizing and beautiful work of David Wiesner.

Our ReFoReMo badge collaboration was a special treat, Lori!  In true fashion, your giving spirit shines through, once again.  ReFoReMoers, please proudly display the participation badge on your sites and social media.  After your reading efforts are complete, you will be rewarded with a winner's badge, too!  I am so excited to reveal it, but you will just have to wait until the end of March!

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.