|
 |
 |
 |
|||||
 |
|
|||||||
 |
||||||||
 |
|
|||||||
|
|
C. J. Taylor is an internationally acclaimed artist and children's author of Mohawk heritage. She is a self-taught artist who has organized exhibitions of Native art across North America. Her paintings are in many private collections in Canada and the United States. She has written and illustrated nine books for children, including Peace Walker: The Legend of Hiawatha and Tekanawita and Spirits, Fairies, and Merpeople: Native Stories of Other Worlds. She travels extensively, sharing her stories with both children and adults. From kindergarten to university audiences, her presentations provide listeners with a better understanding of the wisdom and spirituality found in the mystical stories of her Native American ancestors. Her books have been translated into several languages and are used in classrooms worldwide. She lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. .................................................................................... Your children's books depicting the traditional lifestyle and stories of the North American native peoples have garnered you many accolades. When did you decide you wanted to interpret and illustrate these native legends? I started to collect them as an adult, to share with my children and to better understand my heritage. How does your Mohawk heritage inform your work, and what does it mean to you, as a person, to be of Mohawk descent? My heritage has and will always be an inspiration to me, both creatively and spiritually. How would you describe your artistic style? It is difficult to describe my style. It changes from project to project, depending on the subject. I first have the vision for a project, then find the material and style for it. What are the core values you hope to communicate to children through your books? I hope these stories help bring a better understanding of native culture and a greater respect for Mother Earth. Any upcoming projects that you would like to tell us about? I have a few projects simmering and a collection of Bird stories–from the Great Thunderbird to tiniest of birds, the Hummingbird–that is almost finished.
Posted April 2010
|
|
|
 |
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
|
| interviews | gallery | personal views | reviews | past issues | lists and links | ||
 |
||
|
about us | newsletter & privacy policy | downloads | site map | search | testimonials | disclaimer |
