JEFFERSON BEAVERS
APRIL 7th, 2016
Professor Wrenn-Estes
INFO 263-10
San Jose State University
APRIL 7th, 2016
Professor Wrenn-Estes
INFO 263-10
San Jose State University
Introduction
Illustration for some is the art of conveying meaning through visual representations. For others, it is a way of complimenting the narrative of a story. For still more, it is a trade that can be taken up to reach a different set of goals. In the world of picture books, this often creates two separate roles of author and illustrator. However, author-illustrators are not entirely uncommon. This combination allows for a story to form from concept to product within a single individual’s mind. This creates a unique bond between the narrative and illustrations of a story. There is no interpretation, no differing of views, no guess work. For this study, two predominantly author-illustrators will be examined.
Oliver Jeffers and Tatyana Feeney each have very unique styles that are easily recognizable as their own. However, both illustrators share similarities in their techniques and preferred mediums. They each are slightly abstract in their depiction of characters, and both use the white space on the page as an expression equal to the images they create. Coincidentally, they each have similar, though reversed, backgrounds. Jeffers grew up in Ireland and then moved to the eastern coast of the United States. Feeney grew up on the eastern coast of the United States and later moved to Ireland as an adult. The influences of a life of travel can be seen in both of their works, and many of their picture books are very popular internationally. To learn more about each of these author’s backgrounds, visit the Biographical Sketches page.
Oliver Jeffers and Tatyana Feeney each have very unique styles that are easily recognizable as their own. However, both illustrators share similarities in their techniques and preferred mediums. They each are slightly abstract in their depiction of characters, and both use the white space on the page as an expression equal to the images they create. Coincidentally, they each have similar, though reversed, backgrounds. Jeffers grew up in Ireland and then moved to the eastern coast of the United States. Feeney grew up on the eastern coast of the United States and later moved to Ireland as an adult. The influences of a life of travel can be seen in both of their works, and many of their picture books are very popular internationally. To learn more about each of these author’s backgrounds, visit the Biographical Sketches page.