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I remember being a child and painting on the concrete
with water I poured from a soda can. I was in my bare
feet and a bathing suit and there was a spigot I could
reach. I remember trying to control how fast the water
came out of the can and feeling that the concrete was
a big open space that I could do anything with. I was
maybe three and I can still recall the marks I was making
with the water and can remember them disappearing in
the heat. I was suppose to be enjoying the swimming
pool at our hotel in Florida. No one except me knew
I was painting.
I love to boil down an idea by writing and image making.
It compels me and forces me to be concise. The challenge
is exciting. The constrains of the picture book format,
so limited in space, calls to me like a puzzle to solve.
My ideas, words and images shift and solidify as I try
to fit them into this format.
My inspiration comes from children and their play.
Parenting is the hardest thing I have ever done and
by far the most inspiring. Paying close attention to
children has only confirmed my belief that they are
naturals at scientific investigation and artistic expression.
Scientists create questions and search for solutions
and so do children. Artists create ideas and objects
to establish meaning and so do children.
I currently fill my days enjoying my two small children,
developing plans for teaching art classes, learning
more about illustrating and writing children's books
and painting in oils.
Previously I have worked as a children's librarian,
an art instructor, and a student earning an MS in library
science, a MA in art education, and a BFA in Painting.
I grew up in Delaware and have lived in Illinois,
New York and now I live in California with my husband
and two young and energetic children.
Website: http://www.juliebasu.com
E-mail: basu.julie@gmail.com
Tel: 510-739-6481
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