Artist Spotlight: Rob Dunlavey
Artist Spotlight: Rob Dunlavey
Meet Rob Dunlavey, an artist and children's book illustrator from Natick, MA. His most recent picture book is "Whale Fall" featuring Melissa Stewart's lyrical scientific description of ocean life after the death of a whale. Other books include: "In the Woods" with poems about New England animals by David Elliott and "Owl Sees Owl" featuring a reverso poem by Laura Godwin about a baby owl's first nighttime flight. Rob makes art every day and loves to share it with children and their caregivers.
Read on to learn more about Rob, or come meet him in person at our Minni Picture Book Workshop where students will learn and experience all about what it takes to be a picture book illustrator!
Rob will kick off the workshop with a reading from one of his books, followed by a viewing of the original art from the book. Then students will learn how to create their very own Owl Sees Owl inspired finger puppets and transform art materials into unique mini-picture books.
What inspired you to become an illustrator?
I have drawn pictures from a very early age and I was inspired by picture books, Disney movies and cartoons, comics, political cartoons, and later, fine art.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Curious, Entertaining, Introverted
What were some of your biggest influences?
There are so many! Artists and Illustrators that come to mind: Beatrice Alemagna, Kitty Crowther, Violeta Lopiz, Leo Lionni, André François, Milton Glaser, Seymour Chwast, Saul Steinberg, Blair Thornley, John Hersey, Rembrandt, Mort Drucker, Bill Mauldin, Albert Marquez, and Joseph Beuys, to name a few!
Was there ever a moment when you were stuck creatively? How'd you work through that?
I don’t really get stuck. There are fallow periods though. A change of scenery or trying out some new materials helps a lot. Plus, I draw EVERY day and I “listen” to my materials. That’s what I do.
Do you have a favorite project of yours?
I like different projects for different reasons. In my children’s books, I think I like Owl Sees Owl best. It’s fun to present it to all ages.
Crystal Cities keep me moving forward, They are what I draw when I don’t know what to draw (which is most of the time!).
What's your favorite children's book?
Frederick by Lio Lionni
What's next for Rob Dunlavey? Anything exciting in the works that you can share?
I just finished working on a video game that was a reprise of something I did over twenty years ago. And I just returned from a picture book conference that inspires me to look at my own manuscripts. Maybe I can join the ranks of author/illustrators!
What made you want to collaborate with Minni?
I enjoy sharing my work and art in general with audiences of all ages. Minni has really great energy!
Which other artists do you admire and why?
I spend a lot of time at Boston’s Museum of Fine Art. so I thought I’d select something that has stuck with me. That things is "Sun, Moon, Stars, Rain Wedding Crown” by merry renk. [editorial note: this spelling is correct] It is a crown that you could wear on your head. It’s whimsical and magical which are two qualities that I like. Here’s a link to the mfa.org page for this marvelous object.
