This is an illustration from my most recent book, The Legend of the Persian Carpet, written by Tomie dePaola and published by G. P. Putnam's Sons in 1993. I chose this particular piece because for me the process of weaving a carpet, all the way from the shearing of sheep or cultivation of silkworms and selection of dyestuffs and dying of yarns to the tying of knots and shearing of the final pile is much like the creative interweaving of fact and fantasy, that culminate in a story and ultimately a book. First comes inspiration, followed by reflection.
Research plays an important role.
Word choice is a selective process, and if the story is to be illustrated there are many more steps from initial sketches to the layering of washes that go into making the finished pieces. Biographical Claire Ewart was born in Holland, Michigan. She studied at Oberlin College and received a B.F.A. in illustration and animation from the Rhode Island School of Design. She has won awards for her work in computer animation and illustration, including the International Reading Association's Celebrate Literacy Award.