R. Gregory Christie
R. Gregory Christie’s illustrations have earned him many awards, including a Caldecott Honor, many Coretta Scott King Honors, and multiple spots on the New York Times’ annual Best Illustrated Children’s Books lists. He has been a guest speaker at conferences and libraries and teaches after school art programs all over the world. He lives in Georgia.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt and A Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“To require perfection is to invite paralysis.” —Art and Fear by David Bayle and Ted Orland
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Oscar Wilde, Doris Lessing, John A Williams
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I was enticed by the idea that I’d be creating art for generations that weren’t even born yet.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
It’s wise to learn your craft thoroughly and continuously until they put you in the ground. You can do this by understanding the techniques and visual problem-solving of the artists before you, but above all teach yourself to be an artist. No one ever has had or ever will have your voice.