Kalman, Maira

One thing leads to another. And that is the most pleasant way for me to live my life. Everything is related. One thing inspires another thing. Ideas are considered. Some things work out. But it is an interesting puzzle and endeavor. I love typography and looking at type and letterforms. There must have been a deadline and no time to set type. But I am happy it happened. I love the chalky density of gouache. Perfect for paper.

And paintings that need to be finished in a timely manner. The colors are beautiful. And it can be playful and reworked. They are funny and literary. You can see the influence of Saul Steinberg. And Dadaism. The absurd is very present. I was so certain that this was my destiny, I never doubted it.

Of course, I often doubted the work and whether it was good enough and I still do. But I did not ever think of giving up. I am working on the next installment of Darling Baby. Now the child is starting to talk. And that is a complete miracle of nature.

Working on the next book for adults called Women Holding Things. It is paintings and writing about what women hold, from balloons to worries to families.

Interview Index. Selection of Work Index. Oct 7. Art of the Picture Book. Authors , Illustrators , Interviews. View fullsize. September 9, We interviewed Maria Kalman, author, illustrator, designer and artist.

Kalman has been honored extensively for her work including a Boston Globe-Horn Award for Nonfiction for Fireboat in Kalman lives and works in New York City. A Selection of Work. In Darling Baby you speak to the experience of having a grandchild. What has struck you so far about the differences between that relationship and the one with your children? We applaud your implicit reference to the cycle of life and death in Darling Baby. Can you speak to the way you were able to express and visualize that?

Where does this come from? There is a musicality in your words. Does this come from knowing it will be read aloud at least at first , and is it related to your love of theater arts? What goes into keeping such a delicate balance? What is it about New York city that makes it so much a part of you and your work?

Your books for adults are also loved by children and vice versa. Is this overlap in your thoughts as you create? We love the humor in your work.

Is that part of the overlap? As a walker in your city, so keen an observer, how does that activity inform or show up in your books? Do you keep a sketchbook? Do you paint, sketch or write everyday? Interior spread from Thomas Jefferson , Maira Kalman Being a writer, artist, designer, curator, and contributor, how do you balance these aspects of your creative pursuits?

Interior spread from Cake , by Barbara Scott-Goodman, illustration by Maira Kalman a recipe book, not necessarily for children, but a favorite spread! All books primarily use your handwritten text instead of typeset, giving them a personal feel.

How did you come to that decision? Did you get any push-back from publishers or art directors at first? Why is gouache your preferred paint medium versus acrylic or oil? Have you saved any drawings or paintings you did as a child or young adult that made you happy or that received encouragement? Thank you for sharing your work and creative process. Maira Kalman website. Sources: Encyclopaedia Judaica.

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