Nolen Library Welcomes Renowned Illustrator Brian Floca
Illustrator Brian Floca at work. Photograph by Matt Carr
«The picture book is often one of our first points of entry into the world of art appreciation and a natural companion to the museum experience. Fittingly, Nolen Library offers more than six hundred picture books for visitors to explore and enjoy together as part of their trip to the Met. Throughout the year, Nolen Library hosts special programs that give visitors of all ages (there are many grown-up picture-book lovers among us!) the opportunity to meet the talented creators of these timeless portals into the imagination.»
Visitors arriving at the event
On Saturday, December 6, 2014, over one hundred visitors arrived at the Bonnie J. Sacerdote Lecture Hall to hear guest author and illustrator Brian Floca give a presentation about his work and creative process.
Cover of Locomotive, courtesy of Simon & Schuster and Brian Floca
Floca introduced the audience to the fascinating (and arduous) process of creating a picture book. His presentation was chock full of sketches, illustration excerpts, and hilarious anecdotes as he took the crowd on the journey of making Locomotive, the book for which he earned the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal for 2014.
It was interesting to note that his long research process included not only the usual suspects like reading, sketching, visiting historic sites, and talking to historians, but also renting a car and driving the original transcontinental route across the country. He even found and drove a real locomotive!
Edward Lamson Henry (1841–1919). The 9:45 Accommodation, 1867. Oil on canvas; 16 x 30 5/8 in. (40.6 x 77.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Bequest of Moses Tanenbaum, 1937 (39.47.1)
Floca talked about the time he spent at the Met researching this book, and mentioned the above painting by Edward Lamson Henry as being a particular inspiration (and model) for his work.
A full house enjoying the presentation
His research also helped guide the story's narrative. He said he would get to the end of the story he thought he was writing, only to learn something new and change the whole story all over again.
Floca keeps the audience entertained throughout
Floca talked about the artistic techniques he employed and creative choices he made both for Locomotive and another recent book he illustrated, Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring, and concluded with a sneak peek at some fabulous lupine drawings for his next project illustrating the children's novel Old Wolf by Avi.
Floca turns out to be as entertaining a speaker as he is author and illustrator!
When asked about how he selects topics for his books, Floca said he rejects the common wisdom, "Write what you know." Instead, he says, "Write about what you want to know."
Left: Audience members ask Floca questions. Right: Taking pictures with Floca
After a lively questions and answers session, visitors enjoyed coffee, cookies, and chatting with Floca. Then he signed books for his many eager fans.
Left: Floca signing books. Right: Readers of all ages came out for the event
Copies of his books Locomotive and Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring were made available for purchase in The Met Store, and special arrangements were also made to keep Nolen Library open late for participants to explore after the program. Special thanks to this talented illustrator for a terrific evening.
Watson Library staff Leah High and Angela Washington join Floca with a selection of his books
Stay tuned for upcoming Nolen Library programs by following Thomas J. Watson Library on Facebook or signing up for Met emails on our homepage.
Photography by Alayna Wiley
Leah High
Leah High is an assistant Museum librarian, reader services in Thomas J. Watson Library.