The wonderful, whimsical world of Jennifer Thermes.
TGSG Note: When I first saw Jennifer’s work I was immediately smitten by its warmth and whimsy — TOTAL crush. For my regular readers, it should come as no surprise that I am a huge fan of art and children’s literature, so you can imagine my thrill when Jennifer kindly agreed to be interviewed here at TGSG. BIG thanks to Jennifer for taking the time to chat with us. Personally, I would love to spend a day playing in a garden in one of her drawings, awash with candy-colored sunshine and flowers — happily chatting with a pig about the weather and whatnot. Dare to dream — you are NEVER too old. See ya outside! The Grass Stain Guru
1. What type of kid were you? And how did your childhood influence your profession as an illustrator and artist?
As a kid I was on the quiet side, and read all the time. I had a lot of creative outlets too- playing guitar, drawing, sewing, and writing in my diary. I was always comfortable inside my own head, which is helpful in this profession, since so much time is spent working on your own.
2. Your work often depicts nature and the outdoors. Did you spend a lot of time outside as a child? And how about now, as an adult?
Yes— I grew up on a cul-de-sac and there were always kids around to play with. We rode bikes, skateboards, played kickball, and flashlight tag- there was a lot of outside activity. As an adult I love to walk and jog (if nothing hurts that day!), and especially love to putter in my garden.
3. So many school systems have or are illuminating the arts in school. Do you think teaching arts in school is important. And if so, why?
They are definitely important. For one thing, school might be the only place a child has exposure to different forms of art. They reinforce academic learning in many ways, too. For example, music strengthens math skills as you count beats and rhythm. Art, music, and literature open children up to new cultures, which can lead to an appreciation of diversity, and perhaps more tolerance in the world. I’d say we could always use more of that.
4. As readers of TGSG know, I am a strong advocate for creativity. As an illustrator, you are very creative. Why do you think creativity is important in both childhood and adulthood?
Well, in one sense creativity is about solving problems. What kind of story am I writing? What color palette will work for conveying a certain emotion in a painting? Creative thinking is a skill that can be applied to all sorts of questions– whether you’re a scientist looking for a new vaccine, or a mechanic trying to figure out why an engine isn’t working, or a chef preparing a fancy dish– whatever field you like. It’s about looking for new possibilities. I also think approaching life creatively gives a person a huge sense of satisfaction. It’s the path, not the destination kind of thing, you know?
Where shall we go today on our adventure?
5. What advice do you have for parents for nurturing creativity in their children in today’s over-structured, fast-paced society?
Let kids be a little bored! Seriously, when my own kids were young I learned that they were naturally creative if I just gave them paper and crayons and let them be. I think when we start scheduling all of a child’s time we’re training them to need to be entertained. But leave them on their own for a while and they’ll come up with amazing ideas. They learn how to keep themselves happy. Simple is good, too. Have you ever noticed how kids are often more interested in big cardboard boxes than the newest fancy toy?
6. You are a children’s book illustrator. What were some of your favorite children’s books as a kid?
When I was very young my parents apparently read “Lady and the Tramp” to me upside down and backwards, because I couldn’t get enough of it. I don’t remember this! As a kid I read all over the place, and still do today. For a time I read every non-fiction horse book I could get my hands on, and then my mom introduced me to historical fiction. Reading Judy Blume was a rite-of-passage, also Roald Dahl; and I adored the Little House on the Prairie series.
7. Did you have a secret place as a child? If so, can you describe it?
It wasn’t really a secret place, but as kids we used to build forts in the backyard. It was a little corner of the world where we could let our imaginations run wild. My diaries were like a secret place, too. I’ve recently gone back and reread them, and it was an eye-opening experience to see what I was thinking about back then.
8. What is your opinion on tech-play and screen-time that is so prevalent in today’s childhood?
I wish there were less! Personally, I don’t get the appeal of video games, but they’re here to stay, so I think it’s important to help kids learn how to balance them in their lives. If your child is happy and doing well in school, then I’d say you’ve found a reasonable compromise. But the computer is also a wonderful tool for learning, so it’s good to emphasize that side of it as well.
9. You have one free afternoon all to yourself — what do you do for fun?
Fly to Paris! But I guess I’d need more than an afternoon… I’d curl up with a good book, or pull out a sketchbook and draw, or play around in the garden– many of the things I try to fit into my days anyway. Is that boring?
Meet Sam Bennett and his new shoes!
Guest Bio: Jennifer Thermes is a children’s book author and illustrator. Her second book, Sam Bennett’s New Shoes, was named a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book. She also creates colorful illustrated maps for magazines, publishers, and various other clients. Her clients include Henry Holt & Co., Carolrhoda Books, Harcourt, McGraw-Hill, Harvard Common Press, and Mondo Publishing. Jennifer lives in a very old farmhouse with her husband and children, three cats, one crazy Dalmatian dog, and countless mice. Learn more at Jennifer’s website.
Love the illustrations, especially the pig in the garden and the map. Maps always set me off on dreams of other places and times.
I too love children’s picture books. I’ve not read any in a while – it’s just a little hard to convince yourself to when your kids are teens. You know, maybe that’s why I started selling children’s books. Don’t tell anyone, but I read them all myself!
And, yes, I agree, the computer can be important for creative pursuits. My daughter is quite the expert at illustrating using Photoshop – this new generation will take technology use to levels we probably can’t even imagine.
We just need to keep the balance – indoor time and time in nature.
the Grass Stain Guru @balmeras does it again! read her chat with author/Illustrator Jennifer Thermes http://a2a.me/dsk
I love the map! It is simply beautiful!
I agree with the idea of letting kids be a little bored. There is so much imagination in those little heads just waiting to be let out. In addition to leaving art materials out, I say let them be bored outside–they’ll find all sorts of creative pursuits.
I wrote a post about Andrew Goldsworthy-like art (http://www.yourwildchild.com/blog1.php/2008/10/01/create-andrew-goldsworthy-like-art **Sorry for the plug, but it is so fun, I had to tell you about it!). We love stacking rocks, arranging sticks and creating all sorts of outdoor sculptures.
Love this interview! I enjoy reading about the person behind the beautiful artwork and lovely words.
the Grass Stain Guru @balmeras does it again! read her chat with author/Illustrator Jennifer Thermes http://a2a.me/dsk
For the night shift: Great interview on kids, creativity & #play w/ author/illustrator @jenthermes http://bit.ly/Q7Qq4 Today @ TGSG!
Our @balmeras shares a…great interview on kids, creativity & #play w/ author/illustrator @jenthermes http://bit.ly/Q7Qq4
Our @balmeras shares a…great interview on kids, creativity & #play w/ author/illustrator @jenthermes http://bit.ly/Q7Qq4
Thanks, Jennifer and Bethe, for sharing a little inside look at a creative life!
RT from this AM (is that allowed?!) I’ve been interviewed by the lovely @balmeras over at The Grass Stain Guru. http://tinyurl.com/lr3dbu
Thanks, everyone, for the kind comments! Alison– well said about the maps allowing you to dream of other places & times– that’s exactly what it feels like when I’m working on them. And Melynda– the outdoor sculptures are a great idea… will have to try some. This has been fun.
For the night shift: Great interview on kids, creativity & #play w/ author/illustrator @jenthermes http://bit.ly/Q7Qq4 Today @ TGSG!
Our @balmeras shares a…great interview on kids, creativity & #play w/ author/illustrator @jenthermes http://bit.ly/Q7Qq4
RT from this AM (is that allowed?!) I’ve been interviewed by the lovely @balmeras over at The Grass Stain Guru. http://tinyurl.com/lr3dbu
Thanks for stopping by, Jen! Your interview and artwork really inspired people. Thanks for sharing with us here at TGSG!
Cheers- Bethe
@balmeras @jenthermes Good morning… #playoutdoors Nice Interview: http://bit.ly/Q7Qq4 @ The Grass Stain Guru
So pleasantly inspired by Jennifer’s artwork and interview. Recently observed a group children in the park with easels and paints. That warmed my heart as does this interview. Bethe, thanks for sharing Jennifer with us!
@balmeras @jenthermes Good morning… #playoutdoors Nice Interview: http://bit.ly/Q7Qq4 @ The Grass Stain Guru
RT @balmeras: Great interview on kids, creativity & #play w/ @jenthermes http://bit.ly/Q7Qq4 Today @ The Grass Stain Guru!
RT @balmeras Great interview on kids, creativity & #play w/ author/illustrator @jenthermes http://bit.ly/Q7Qq4 Today @ The Grass Stain Guru!
Our Jennifer is quite a find!
Happy to share her and her pig, of course!
RT @balmeras: Great interview on kids, creativity & #play w/ @jenthermes http://bit.ly/Q7Qq4 Today @ The Grass Stain Guru!
RT @balmeras Great interview on kids, creativity & #play w/ author/illustrator @jenthermes http://bit.ly/Q7Qq4 Today @ The Grass Stain Guru!
Thank you again, Bethe and everyone, for all the nice-ness!
The Grass Stain Guru interviews the whimsical Jennifer Thermes about her wonderful art: http://ow.ly/hQa8
The Grass Stain Guru interviews the whimsical Jennifer Thermes about her wonderful art: http://ow.ly/hQa8
Wonderful interview!
RT @jenthermes Children’s illustrator interviewed by the lovely @balmeras over at The Grass Stain Guru. http://tinyurl.com/lr3dbu
RT @jenthermes Children’s illustrator interviewed by the lovely @balmeras over at The Grass Stain Guru. http://tinyurl.com/lr3dbu