Susan Tooke

Readings

I have a selection of books that I have illustrated, and the reading can be based on any one or several of these. I will read from the book, and describe my process of illustrating, giving the children insight into the process involved in creating illustrations. During my talk we will visit through photographs and paintings the real life places that inspired the illustrations, and we will meet the models and see how their work helped me to created my illustrations. I will speak to the students about the research necessary to create pictures that authentically reflect the locations of the book.
If students are currently working on their own stories, I will answer questions regarding their own work.

A further workshop on illustration could be based on theses student projects.

Special Equipment:

an lcd projector and laptop capable of running powerpoint.

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed, if requested.

Biography

Born in the farmlands of New Jersey, I was interested in art from an early age, spending my time drawing the natural world around me, playing in the woods, and helping my mother and grandmother with farm chores, feeding the chickens, milking cows and collecting the eggs. I was fascinated with animals, and had a ring-necked pheasant for a pet.

I knew from about the age of 5 that I wanted to be an artist “when I grew up”, and after high school, I studied art at Virginia Commonwealth University. After I graduated, I taught art in Newark, New Jersey, while continuing my studies at the New School in New York City, in photography, and animation.

I moved to Canada in 1980. My father’s family is Canadian, so I have dual citizenship, Canadian and American. This means I get to vote A LOT.

I illustrated my first book in 2000. It was A Seaside Alphabet by Donna Grassby, published by Tundra. To create the illustrations, I traveled all over the East Coast, from Boston, Massachusetts to Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, finding the right setting and models for my paintings. Icebergs, puffins, all sorts of whales, bustling cities, quiet villages and dramatic landscapes--I was in heaven.

Today, I am enjoying illustrating more than ever. My most recent books have taken me to Sable Island through the photographs of Zoe Lucas, where I illustrated the Jamie Bastedo’s story of the saving of the Sable Island Horses by the children of Canada (Free As The Wind). I have also toured my neighbouring province of New Brunswick, where I discovered more wonderful people and places illustrating F is for Fiddlehead, A New Brunswick Alphabet.

Up Home, a poem by Shauntay Grant, is my current project. I am getting to know the generous people of North Preston, and having a great time painting a portrait of a childhood in a very special place.

And I am working on A Nova Scotia Alphabet, which will be my first book that I will both illustrate and write.

I am still creating studio paintings, and working on other projects, such as digital montages, dioramas, murals, and multi-media collaborations and a graphic novel with my husband, and fellow artist, Richard Rudnicki.

The world of art is always exciting, always an adventure, and,best of all, anyone can take part.

OTHER PRESENTATIONS:
I am available to speak on the joys of creative work, and successful collaboration across disciplines. I can also speak on my experience working within communities to tell the story of a people.