I See You, I See Myself: The Young Life of Jacob Lawrence

by Deba Foxley Leach

Details the life and work of the noted African American artist who used pattern and color to celebrate the African American community and comment on historical themes involving freedom and social justice.

Genres: Biography, Art, History

64 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 2001

Reviews

[Book2Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living once in Seattle, I was familiar with Jacob Lawrence's work, and attended a viewing of the Migration Series. This book does a wonderful job of giving the history of Jacob's work, his young life, and the mentors who helped him. Mostly this book goes to the 40s in his career. His work is moving, although many times the colors are muted. There is also a glossary and bibliography; I appreciated the insights into Art as I am not an artist. It was good to see the elements that make up a piece of art.
I'd recommend this to anyone interested in Black History, History or in Art itself.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up at the Figge in Davenport IA. A good overview of Jacob Lawrence's life and art. It includes a robust and engaging selection of works from several of Lawrence's well known series -- Harriet Tubman, Migration. Fascinating to consider his youth and driving purpose to tell his story and that of African Americans of the time.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I See You, I See Myself, written for young adult readers, examines the early experiences and choices that led Jacob Lawrence to become an artist. In bold colours and precise language, the book describes how the break up of his parents, a period of foster care, reunification with his mother, brother and sister in Harlem and the influence of other adults in his community shaped the decisions Lawrence made about his art and his life. The hurdles that he faced - moving, parent separation and discrimination - are ones that challenge many children today. The book describes how the choices one makes in dealing with these challenges start to shape a person's life. It includes 65 color illustrations of Lawrence's work, accompanied by photographs documenting his early experiences in the Harlem community.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A combination of biography, art reproduction, and timeline, this book offers many examples of Lawrence's memorable and wonderful artwork, though it is difficult to follow as a picture book. Despite its mix-mashed style, Foxley Leach provides detailed information about Lawrence's life for adult and youth readers. As Toni Morrison writes in her concise foreword, "Jacob Lawrence seized beauty - whether it lay in an environment of heartbreak, survival, or triumph [...] generations of painters have been in thrall to him. And thousands of us remain lit in his burning glare."

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Phillips Collection, which I visited in DC a few months ago, has half of his Great Migration series, a stunning artistic representation of the Great Migration by African Americans in the 1910s and 1920s. Great entry into his work, and how experiences while young influence later work. One thing I did not know--he was only 24 when he completed the Great Migration series. I feel old.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an incredible companion book to have as I teach my students about the Great Migration through the lens of Lawrence's Migration series. Students will love the depth this book provides about Lawrence's artistic training, as well as the vast number of works that are included. I found this book at the Strand and am so glad I did! It's out of print! Why?