Art Mediums: Watercolor, Pencil on Paper

I am a storyteller: I write and paint stories in the form of children’s books that honor the emotional depth of children. Pulling from my childhood experiences allows me to connect with readers authentically. My themes are friendship, absence, loneliness, loss, and navigating these complicated feelings. In my books, I offer a mirror for children to see themselves in their experiences and inspire empathy for others. Working in watercolor and pencil on paper, my mark-making style combines aspects of fine art with my love for classic and modern approaches to illustration. Children first encounter art in picture books, so I strive to offer thoughtful artistry that helps them build an appreciation for visual art. I want my books to inspire kids and give them permission to share their own stories. Each book I write and illustrate tries to create a safe space for readers to see themselves, experience joy, or find comfort in their troubles. It is an honor to be a steward of books for young people. Children hold the keys to the oft-forgotten places in our hearts where hope, unconditional love, and endless possibility are born. Books nurture those places in all of us and heal our pain—no matter one’s age.

“My intention when I am creating work—part of the joy—is knowing that when I put it into the world it’s no longer mine and someone else will find a personal connection to it. The exciting part of the sharing process occurs when others find different, unintended elements and meaning in my work—that makes it come alive. So many decisions go into illustration: a problem to solve, a moment to explain. In working with watercolor, I get to surrender some of the control and decision-making to the flow of the medium. For me, that’s the most freeing way to work inside of an otherwise controlled environment.”

“The first picture book I sold was inspired by driftwood that I found on the waterfront near the Sculpture Park. Because of that, I’m forever looking for inspiration around me—even in the simplest places. I always pull inspiration from my life and surroundings, past and present. That brings truth to my work and, I think, enriches the experience.”

“My picture book illustrations often feature animals. It was only in the last couple of years that I started bringing humans into my work. Once I did, I committed to always having children of color as the main characters, not only in the context of race being a theme of the story. I have an opportunity to give children the mirror I never had growing up. All kids deserve to see themselves reflected in the world, and one of the best places to see themselves is art.”

“I didn’t know when I got into making books that it would become an avenue to heal my own pain. I have had countless experiences where someone has come to me to express how one of my books helped them process death, hardship, loneliness, or loss. Their vulnerability and sharing made me feel less alone in the world and helped heal my wounds. It was an unexpected gift and proved to me the power of stories and books.”

Jessixa Bagley

Kamla Kakaria

Kelly O