A few years before he passed, my friend Jason Polan and I were talking about illustrators we loved. I mentioned Joana Avillez. He stopped cold, put his hand on my shoulder and said, “dangerously cool.” And then repeated it for emphasis followed by, "She's the best." I had always wanted to work with her for Tinybop
, or one of my many children’s book projects—not for her coolness, which I’m sure she has in spades—but for her good taste and light touch.
As someone who’s enjoyed following her
art
,
children’s book picks
, and
vintage photo obsessions
for years, she never seems to miss.
Today’s NY Times posted a
nice feature on Avillez
on her six-year journey illustrating a new edition of Joseph Mitchell’s “
The Bottom of the Harbor
.” If you don’t know the book,
Science Survey
explains why it was important and how Avillez’ work brings it to life. They describe Mitchell as a listener. I characterize Avillez as a noticer. This is a great match, and I can’t wait to get my copy.
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