Eleyor Snir
Photo provided by illustrator.
Illustrator Eleyor Snir is Mirik’s daughter, the fourth of nine children. A professional illustrator, her unique style is composed of naive and vivid illustrations. Born and raised in Israel, she now works from her home studio in British Columbia on book illustrations, stationery products, ketubot and wall art.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
Pippi Longstocking
What’s your favorite line from a book?
I love the quote by Rabbi Nachman from a previous book we published with Karben- “The day you were born was the day God decided that the world cannot exist without you”
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Mirik Snir :-) Astrid Lindgren Tobe Yanson
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I grew up in a home with a special mother, who encouraged independence and diversity and gave my siblings and myself the freedom of thought and creativity. I always loved imagining images and worlds, and creating with my hands. There was a time when I loved to draw houses and build small models, another time, I would draw plenty of clothing pattern, I always got positive feedback from my surroundings about my artistic abilities and it was clear to me that this would be the direction, but I never locked into only one area. For me, there is no other option than art. The art is so integral to who I am that everything I choose to do it will always be integrated into it.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
I started illustrating books as a child and never really stopped since then. As the years passed and after going to school and learning more and more, I realize that there is one thing that you can’t learn in any school or course. You have to remember what it feels like to be a child. You have to be able to see the world through their eyes and draw for their beings. Pablo Picasso said – It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child. When children read books, the illustrations are important as much (if not more than) the text. You have to meet them with a respectful and nourishing art for their eyes and soul. To be able to communicate with the children through the illustrations is a gift I’m truly grateful for.
