Jozef Wilkon

In my previous post, I mentioned the illustrator Jozef Wilkon--he illustrated the book about the kindly wolf. I decided to do a little research on him because I found his pastels so endearing. I discovered an artist of tremendous range and vision.

This information comes courtesy of http://www.childscapes.com/, (another site worth visiting if you are interested in learning more about children's book illustrators.

"Wilkon was born in 1930 close to Cracow, where he was later studying painting at Academy of Art, and history of art at Jagiellonian University (1955). At the end of his studies he spent a year in Paris. He established himself very quickly in French and German art world. Asked about his illustrations, he answers: "First you have to know what you are going to paint: a man or a fish or a bird or a leaf or an animal, and what it looks like. Then you must know how it moves, runs, creeps, swims or flies. For many that would be the end of their art effort, but some go ahead and paint sadness and happiness, fear and courage. Only a few reach the point at which they can paint a smell and a taste of fruits or even, silence in the dream. If you can do all these things then you must know the way to bring a story and a picture together. Everything must be done at the right place and on the right time, so the tensions in the book rises as in the theatre."

Wilkon cooperates with number of publishers in Poland and abroad. He has illustrated over 100 books for children and for adults in Poland."

Okay, back to my thoughts again: One of the things I have been struggling with as I learn to illustrate is what medium I will work in. I've been struggling over the froggy painting now for so long because I really don't have the mastery of the medium (acrylic paints). My drawing is probably more practiced and natural. But what I see in Wilkon that makes him so interesting to me is his ability to illustrate beautifully in so many different media. As an artist, I think this must be the most creatively fulfilling way to work. As a business person, I see how this could make it difficult to develop a recognized style--or brand--that makes it possible for publishers to market your work. Clearly, Wilkon is an artist, not a brand.