Suzanne Del Rizzo |
Suzanne Del Rizzo is the author and Miki Sato is the illustrator of the new children's picture book Golden Threads.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for
Golden Threads, and why did you decide to focus on the Japanese art form of
kintsugi in the book?
SDR: Thanks so much for the
opportunity to chat about Golden Threads, Deborah!
Golden Threads was inspired by one of my
children’s stuffies, named Puppy, who you can see beside my author blurb in our
book. As with many children’s beloved
stuffies, they are wonderful sidekicks, best buds, snugglers, and confidants.
Over the years I would mend Puppy with
colourful embroidery thread, as the most “loved up” parts, like his foot or
back would become worn bare and often start to fray.
At that time, I wasn’t aware of the art
form of kintsugi but I think I was considering something like it subconsciously
as I wanted to highlight and celebrate the repair as it was a reminder and
celebration highlighting the love and adventures Puppy and my son had
encountered.
I came across kintsugi (and the wabi-sabi
philosophy) one day and was totally captivated. I loved everything about it and
it resonated deeply with me. It made me think immediately of Puppy, and I knew
it was the wee spark of a book idea to explore further.
Also, with the "throw away"
epidemic of today’s society, I think picture books with gentle themes touching
on meaningful connection, finding beauty and happiness in the imperfect,
kindness and resilience are needed more than ever.
Miki Sato |
Q: In creating the illustrations, were you
influenced by the kintsugi concept, and if so, how?
MS: I wasn't directly influenced by the
concept of kintsugi per se, but the philosophy of wabi-sabi is definitely
something that I should consider more often when working on my illustrations.
I can be a bit of a perfectionist, but
because I work with all types of materials that each have their own quirks and
limitations, there will always be some flaws.
Wabi-sabi is about accepting transience
and imperfections, so coming to terms with that would allow me to not get so
wound up about seeking perfection in my work. It will hopefully let the
characteristics of the materials shine through instead.
Q: Why did you decide to tell the story
from the fox's perspective?
SDR: I think any child who has a
stuffy feel that they have a personality, a life, and voice, so I wanted to pay
tribute to that.
Also, I felt the story was most powerfully
told through the Fox’s POV, because Fox was the one who was lost and went on
this incredible journey of both physical separation (being lost and found), but
also of friendship, self-discovery, self-love, resilience, and healing. I think
we all, especially children, can all relate and connect with Fox’s story, as it
is universal.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from
the book?
SDR: I hope this book reminds kids how
powerful they are, that they too (and their stuffies) are capable of gentle
kindness, inner strength, resilience, love, and should always search for the
beauty in the world, and within ourselves.
We all have struggles, but if we embrace
our golden seams, pick ourselves back up, these experiences will make us
stronger, unique and more beautiful.
MS: I'd like readers to embrace the idea
that everyone is perfectly imperfect. People are made up of both good and bad
experiences, and that is what makes us who we are. Any perceived flaw that
someone may have about themselves does not diminish their worth, and it is
important to be kind to yourself through self-love and acceptance.
Q: What are you working on now?
SDR: With the Covid pandemic, a family
member’s illness, and my four children home doing on-line learning, it’s been a
challenging time, but I have a few new things I am working on, and also
experimenting with new illustration directions.
MS: Recently, I finished illustrating my
second children's book. It's called Snow Days, written by Deborah Kerbel, and
is coming November 2020 from Pajama Press. It's full of fun winter scenes and
children enjoying all the different kinds of snow!
Q: Anything else we should know?
SDR: This is the first picture book I
wrote and did not illustrate. The fabulous Karen Li suggested Miki illustrate,
and I am so thrilled she did! I was blown away by Miki’s gorgeous cut paper and
thread illustrations and the “unique take” Miki brought to this project. Thanks
Miki!
MS: There will always come a time when
something you love either breaks, or has reached the end of its usefulness to
you. When it does, please consider giving the object a second life by repairing
it, or by giving it to someone else who would love it all the same.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Suzanne Del Rizzo.
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