The opportunity to create a small world between two pieces of cardboard, where time exists yet stands still, where people talk and I tell them what to say, is exciting and rewarding.
— Chris Van Allsburg
Some artists claim praise is irrelevant in measuring the success of art, but I think it's quite relevant. Besides, it makes me feel great.
Following my muse has worked out pretty well so far. I can't see any reason to change the formula now.
The idea of the extraordinary happening in the context of the ordinary is what's fascinating to me.
Santa is our culture's only mythic figure truly believed in by a large percentage of the population. It's a fact that most of the true believers are under eight years old, and that's a pity.
At first, I see pictures of a story in my mind. Then creating the story comes from asking questions of myself. I guess you might call it the 'what if - what then' approach to writing and illustration.
The Dick, Jane, and Spot primers have gone to that bookshelf in the sky. I have, in some ways, a tender feeling toward them, so I think it's for the best.
I write for what's left of the eight-year-old still rattling around inside my head.
As much as I'd like to meet the tooth fairy on an evening walk, I don't really believe it can happen.
