Thanks to the High Museum of Art (Atlanta) for a great tour of I See a Story, an exhibition of illustrations from Eric Carle’s picture books —
The Moon in Half-Light
If you’re not already familiar with him by name, I’ll bet you’ll recognize him as the collage artist and author/illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and many more picture books.
There are always lots of things I don’t know, but here are the first five things I learned from the exhibition —
1 – He paints his own tissue paper for the collages (after early experiences with commercial paper that was not archival).
2 – His favorite animal is the cat.
3 – He’s also great with chickens (I love cats too, but I have fun collecting pictures of chickens).
4 – The Grouchy Ladybug started out a bit differently.
Early book dummies are in the exhibition.
5 – His parents moved the family to Germany when he was six years old. He left behind a real-life friend, and based this illustration for Friends on a photograph of the two of them as children.
All that and I haven’t even got to the “2 Books” part of my title yet. Maybe I should save them for another post. I’m still sorting out books so stay tuned, I may find more than 2 of these surprises.
Meanwhile, here’s the intro to the exhibition, with a portrait of that famous caterpillar —
If you’re anywhere near Atlanta, see it at the High Museum, April 2 2016 through January 8 2017. The exhibition won’t be traveling, except to go back home to the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst MA.
More on the Weekly Photo Challenge Half-Light
I See a Story at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta GA
Hoarder Comes Clean 
I remember reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar growing up. It was one of my favourite books, and I adored Carle’s illustrations. This is such a great exhibit of his work and his art process. I had no idea he painted on tissue paper. Very delicate, and he must be the kind of artist who works at his own pace, no rush. Love the colour in all of his works, especially the chicken drawing. There is something so positive and uplifting about his work.
So glad to hear you’re a fan too, Mabel. I really enjoyed seeing that show, and the original illustrations. The tour guide told us he’s 87 now, and you know, he’s still working. Wish you were here — Sandy
He is certainly old, but sounds like his is living his passion each day. Pretty sure he is still having a good time drawing and colouring these days. Still living the dream 🙂
Yes, what a great life to have, to still be creative, and know you’ve touched the lives of so many.