A wonderful part about reading children’s picture books, whether you’re young or old, is looking at the pictures.
This Thursday (Feb. 5) at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Thursday Artist Talk series at the Surrey Art Gallery, visitors will get to see and hear how local artist Deborah Morriss made the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairytale “The Nightingale” come alive with her illustrations.
Morriss will demonstrate the process of structuring a picture book for publication, relate the research involved in gathering relevant visual imagery and content, and explain the ideas and choices behind her colourful compositions. As her PowerPoint presentation follows the illustrations and text of the story from cover to cover, Andersen's timeless tale of greed, loyalty, and revelation will unfold.
Children are welcome to attend the talk.
Morriss studied for five years at the Ontario School of Art and Design, and then completed her Masters of Fine Arts at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She currently supports herself as a scenic painter in the film industry, but in recent years, has been developing a portfolio and studying under professional illustrators with the goal of transitioning to a new career in picture books. Deborah's monoprint "Twins" was awarded first prize in the Works On Paper category in the ARTS 2011 juried exhibit at the Surrey Art Gallery. To view her work, visit deborahmorriss.ca
There will be time for questions and conversation during and following the Surrey talk. The event concludes by 9 p.m. Refreshments are provided. This event is presented by the Surrey Art Gallery Association in partnership with the Surrey Art Gallery, and with support from the Arts Council of Surrey.
Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) is a non-profit society that offers its members the opportunity to participate in and respond to contemporary art, and be part of a community that actively supports the Surrey Art Gallery.
The gallery is located at 13750 88 Ave. Phone 604-501-5566 or check www.surrey.ca/artgallery for more information.