Christopher Denise's Blog, page 21
June 15, 2012
Deadlines and the final stretch
I wish that I could remember the quote concerning the end of long projects that came to mind late last night...or even exactly how the quote went......but as I mentioned...it was late.....and I am back at my desk today...early. In any event, the quote was from someone at a well known animation studio talking about the final stages of a film and how it often feels as though they( the team) really get a good handle on a project when it is nearing completion. Nothing feels more true right now. While I will welcome the addition to sleep into my routine once again I will miss that feeling of flow that some books take on. Like a well suited travel companion. But I have a few more weeks on this the caffeine fueled trip. Anxious about the deadline? Sure. But I think if you look really closely at the guy on the clock you see a hint of a smile.
May 24, 2012
Friday, June 1, 5:30 - 7:30pm: Summer Reading Kick-off Ev...
Friday, June 1, 5:30 - 7:30pm: Summer Reading Kick-off Event at The Providence Children's Museum. Hear 10 children’s book authors read their stories aloud, followed by a book sale and signing. Come to the event and find out how the whole family can participate in Rhode Island's 2012 Summer Reading Program! http://www.childrenmuseum.org/calDetail.asp?date=6/1/2012
May 21, 2012
Sneak peak, my next book due out this Fall!
I just received a stack of bookmarks from Candlewick Press announcing my new book due out this Fall. The piece was really nicely printed and designed (thank you Candlewick!) and features the cover.I have had the incredible opportunity to work with one of my heros in the picture book and Y/A world, Rosemary Wells.
April 21, 2012
Ok, so my last post was about storytelling and so is this...
Ok, so my last post was about storytelling and so is this one...just a different medium.I had the good fortune to see the incredible Jake Shimabukuro this evening at "The Narrows" in Fall River, Massachusetts this evening.
If you do not know his work, click on the link attached to his name above and be prepared to open Itunes and be amazed.
Jake played for about two and a half hours and told as as many and complex stories as any feature film while only speaking briefly in between songs. He does not sing but allows his original compositions and his arrangements other artists songs to build his narrative structures with clarity and artistry that the audience of one hundred or so were absolutely silenced hanging on every note.
Before he played a new piece called "five dollars unleaded" he described, in brief, the sensation of driving along and loving it on a semi full tank of gas. And then the process of looking for a gas station, fueling up, and jetting off again. A cute little story but his music told the FULL story. Windows, open, sunlight, etc. Illustrated with music.
His arrangement of George Harrison's "While my Guitar Gently Weeps" is well known and tells the story as well the beloved original. Artful illustration and storytelling through choices made by an artist living in the joy of his work.
Still unconvinced? Sample his version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". Its all there. He gets it.
Now if film and book makers could take note and allow us to tell stories without so much exposition and talking, believe in the intelligence of their audience, we might connect with each other.
In the meantime, we should all continue to tell our stories in one way or another. Tonight its storytelling through two feet of wood and some nylon strings. As Jake has said "If everyone in the world played ukulele the world would be a better place"
Cheers,
Chris
March 11, 2012
March 7, 2012
Wonka!
Fantastic projects have been keeping me up late at night and, of course, I can't share any of it. But I did remember that I was going to post some pics of a side personal project.Two years ago I was swept up in the enthusiasm for my kids school play and volunteered to help produce the sets for the next show. The date of the show was approaching and I was essentially out of time but the good folks at Arts Alive had applied for and received some grant money and suddenly we had money for printing-large scale printing! Large scale as in 15 feet high and 30 feet long. I did a bunch of 8 foot square panels as well. Two nights of photoshop painting, a very accommodating large format printing company and ta dah! A show!The amazing and fearless kids made the show a smash hit. But I look at the backdrops now, a year later, and I think they still look pretty good!
December 14, 2011
Attention Providence Area Folks!
This will be so much fun!
We are signing at the famous Frog and Toad on Thursday evening. If you are in the area drop by for a glass of wine, check out the amazing stuff in the store and pick up a few signed books. I will try to bring a few original works -probably from my book Knitty Kitty.
One of a kind Redwall Christmas art!
This original artwork was commissioned by my late friend Brian Jacques for an exclusive, members only Redwall Readers Club Christmas Greeting card. This illustration is one of a kind and only a small number of reproductions exist. A rare piece for the avid Redwall collector! The artwork was created with Charcoal pencil on acid free paper and measures approximately 7 inches by 4 1/2 inches.See a detail here.Available today at Christopher Denise Original Art!
