Mazza - Passion

All the speakers at Mazza were FABULOUS. There were three who were absolute stand-outs in my book though, Eric Rohmann, Clare Beaton, and Deborah Kogan Ray (see books below).

Why these three?

Because they are absolutely passionate about what they do.

Eric is passionate about creating and designing his picture books. Clare is passionate about her materials and her process. Deborah is passionate about her subjects.

After hearing Eric Rohmann speak, Patty and I went back to our hotel and deconstructed My Friend Rabbit. There is not an inch of this book that Eric hasn't totally thought out and designed. Every page moves the story forward. Every page is absolutely essential. He uses composition, form, line, and even the shape of the book itself to pace the story. Passionate I tell you.

Clare Beaton works in felt, fabric and embellishments. She is addicted to her materials. No kidding, she left the conference at least twice to go to thrift stores and bead shops to collect more. While so many of the illustrators I meet are seeking ways to speed up their process, Clare is so excited about what she does that she's currently learning more about embroidery and stitches that will, in all likelihood, slow her process down even more. True passion.

Deborah Kogan Ray writes and illustrates biographies. She totally immerses herself in her topics. She says she "becomes" the person she's writing about. She researches everything she can find about their lives, their environment, their stories, their families, etc. When she's talking about one of her subjects, her whole being lights up and becomes animated. I was so inspired by her passion.

I want to dive into my work so deeply that I too become this passionate about what I do. I want to build an enthusiasm that is as contagious as was theirs.

The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions. -- Alfred Lord Tennyson

Comments

[roz]

Man, that must have been such a great experience! I'm glad you and patty had such a great time.

[Janee]

Wish you'd been there too!

[tine]

Wow, Janee, that all sounds so so exciting! What a great opportunity for you! I am so happy for you that you had such awonderful time and enjoyed yourself so much. That's what it's all about ;-)
Your illustartion of the puzzle teacher is so great, that's how I feel like most of the time arranging the pieces trying to see where and how they all fit. One day I hope to find the last piece... ;-)

xo
~tine.