Thursday, February 10, 2011

My Interview with Don Tate at The Brown Book Shelf



It's Black History Month, but every month is Black History for me! he he he!
I never stop thinking about the wonderful and hard working people who
made it possible for me to be doing what I'm doing right now..... LIVING!
Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, my Great Grandmother and parents
are just a few. And it wasn't just these, but many others
of different races and cultures that have truly
brought me to this very place and I am grateful to all.
I wanted to share the wonderful interview that was done with me
by Mr. Don Tate of The Brown Book Shelf. Thanks Don for your
wonderful introduction. I was speechless for a moment.
You are too kind and I am grateful that you let me share my story.
I hope that it will encourage your heart.
Have a good one y'all!
http://www.facebook.com/l/da121xqUfMYmPTOgwFw1vVIDJag;thebrownbookshelf.com/
at

41 comments:

  1. Anne Huskey-LockardFebruary 10, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    You look just TOO HAPPY GIRLFRIEND!!!! :-D
    As it should be!
    Come over to my blog and have a laugh.....
    Better than Milo!

    XXOO~~♥
    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  2. ShellFebruary 10, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    What a great interview. You can sing too!!! Wondering what other secret talents you have, Vanessa.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tamara HendersonFebruary 10, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    Hi Vanessa! I just finish reading your interview and really enjoyed reading it. Your new artwork is wonderful and your truly an inspiration to me.

    ReplyDelete
  4. k.h.whitakerFebruary 10, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    Great interview Vee, love those pictures of you, you look absolutely joyful! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  5. beeFebruary 10, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    Awesome interview Vanessa! So - you write, illustrate, sing, craft, cook... girl - you are the BOMB! SO lovely to read a bit more about what makes you tick, you really are an inspiration! xo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nina Seven N7February 10, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    hey v - your interview was really awesome - you are just oozing with talent, girlfriend! i'm so happy to be blogging buddies with you! you really are an inspiring and incredibly gifted person.

    ReplyDelete
  7. micheleFebruary 10, 2011 at 11:16 PM

    How wonderful to read your story, here! I'm certain that you'll continue to bring such good cheer and energy to all that you do. I wish you much more success! Thanks for sharing the joy! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  8. JanineFebruary 11, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    Dear Vanessa,
    I love this articel, and to learn more about you.
    I can´t believe you never studied art.
    But you see, a degree is nothing, talent and feelings is all.
    I am not surprised that you a singer and songwriter too. I guess you vcan do everything you want and witch your optimistic and hsappy attitude you give confidence to other people too.
    So right what you said, about being yourselfe and about not comparing the own talent and abilities with others. (If I would compare my talent with yours, I would propably never touch a pensil again, hi hi).
    It was so interesting what you wrote about Geechee or Gullah people.
    And you write a book about it. that sounds great, and it is great that you illustrate your own storys now, that sounds great.
    You are allways an inspiration for me.
    You are a star
    Hugs
    Janine

    ReplyDelete
  9. JanineFebruary 11, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    P.S.
    You look so pretty and happy on this photos :0)

    ReplyDelete
  10. rachel awesFebruary 11, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    happy EVERYDAY, yEs! to being YOU!!! xoxox
    i love that cluster of photos of you,...so joyously shining!
    (i'd love to hold your alligator on wheels...soooo sweet!)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Jenn BowerFebruary 11, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    Vanessa, your interview was amazing!!!! I got so emotional reading, believe it or not. Seabrook Island, SC was my second home growing up and the Low Country holds such a special place in my heart. That and as a single parent raising a multi-cultural child, on my own, in the south I feel such a affinity to you and the work you are doing. God Bless and I am glad to know you are out there to inspire us all with your stories but also our own that we need to be brave enough to tell.

    ReplyDelete
  12. lincolnFebruary 11, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    Absolutely beautiful work— you have a very signature approach to not just how you draw, but also in how you think and view your world. Your drawings all exist in a viewable world. Keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Carin BramsenFebruary 11, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    What a wonderful interview! So great to read more about you. You and your fabulous artwork make the world a richer, brighter place. And I love these latest illustrations. The colors, textures and movements are spot-on delicious. Love the delicate, assured lines. The bear's itty-bitty feet, and the boy's little tongue are too perfect! And you look lovely in the pics.

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownFebruary 11, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    Your interview was great, Vanessa! But not as good as the one I did for you. ;)

    The love for your work can clearly be seen. I bet you could see it from the moon!

    ReplyDelete
  15. BradFebruary 11, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    wow another inspiring post/interview/illustrations! you just keep the great stuff coming! Vanessa you are truly a huge inpsiration for me and so many other artists, and we couldn't be luckier to have someone as talented and gracious as you to aspire to.

    all the best to you and yours!

    how is the move going? are you out of the frigid cold yet?

    ps- i absolutley love these illos, but that bear is insane! sooo good!

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    Hi Vanessa!
    Read your interview -- so great! You are an inspiration -- love your work. :)

    Melissa

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lisa M GriffinFebruary 11, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    I am sooo proud of you! What a great interview. Such talent wrapped up in such a happy (and inspiring) package... plus that megawatt smile.
    have a good weekend!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. S.E.MinegarFebruary 11, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    fabulous interview! aside from your words, i really enjoyed the sneak peek into your studio and miss "cuter than a pickle" might be the most precious thing i have ever laid eyes on!

    can't gush enough about your illustrations.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lynn AlpertFebruary 11, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    Loved the interview Vanessa! It's great to see your awesomeness spreading around the world!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Bella SinclairFebruary 11, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    You DO! You make me want to stand up and cheer! In fact, I'm gonna do that right now. Hold on a minute.




    Okay. Done. Did you hear me???? I LOVE your interviews. Plus, you are cuter than a pickle, hehehehe. You bring so much joy and hope to my life, simply with a flick of your wrist. You are that amazing. Interesting sidenote....I read an article recently that said a lot of Nobel Prize winners are dyslexic. Being dyslexic probably helped their creative mind because they had to work hard to find other ways to do things. You are living proof of that. Do they give out the Nobel Prize for illustration? They should do that. Excuse me. I need to call Mr. Nobel.

    Love youuuuuuuu! Have a splendid weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  21. theartofpuroFebruary 12, 2011 at 7:07 AM

    Wonderful interview:)

    ReplyDelete
  22. salli s. swindellFebruary 12, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    vanessa, you are a wonder of all wonders!!! and such a vibrant beauty! i loved reading the interview...so much insight into your awesome-ness. love your overloaded bookshelf! when will you post a little video of you singing???!!! sungtold is a great word.

    ReplyDelete
  23. S.E.MinegarFebruary 12, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    Vanessa, I live in NJ too. Florham Park (right by Morristown!)

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Vicki SmithFebruary 12, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    Wonderful interview. Congratulations. A busy gal with charming illustrations!

    ReplyDelete
  25. RuAnFebruary 12, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    The power of our heart and always great. Each person has an example of overcoming that in many cases, hidden by his own ignorance, and others shown with pride because, as in your case, and the work of centuries of peaceful struggle. As usual congratulations and apologies for my english online translator

    ReplyDelete
  26. michael robertsonFebruary 12, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    What an amazing talent you are on so many levels ...and HOT too! Talent , looks, personality-geeesh, where does it end?!! Congratulations, Vanessa. You are an amazing inspiration to so many people-myself included. Peace out.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Michaele RaziFebruary 13, 2011 at 2:39 AM

    Just finished your interview and I just needed to tell you it was wonderful and inspiring. I absolutely love hearing artists share their inspirations and thoughts--and I felt instantly energized reading yours. Thank you so much for your honesty and integrity! And now I'm going to go draw!!!

    p.s. You look fabulous ;)

    ReplyDelete
  28. UnknownFebruary 13, 2011 at 3:31 AM

    what a powerful entry! i adore you! you're so inspirational for me!
    you look the prettiest in your pictures! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Ana M.F.February 13, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    I didn't know you write too. That's fantastic! I really loved the interview and the pictures :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Ces AdorioFebruary 13, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Do you see me? Do you hear me? I am bowing and clapping!

    Hello Vee! You are soo beautiful! I love you Vee. What a great interview, but I am not surprised!!!

    Tsup! TSup!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Eric BarclayFebruary 13, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    Wonderful illustration and a great article! You are something, V!

    ReplyDelete
  32. ShirleyFebruary 14, 2011 at 11:00 PM

    Eeeepp!!! What an awesome interview, Nester!!! And how wonderful you look in those shots..it makes me smile! I'm so excited to read of all of your new projects..my you are so busy..but I just can't wait to see them come to fruition. You are a such a blessing to all of us, you really are! Hope you're having a fantastic Valentine's with your hubby and Zoe! : )

    ReplyDelete
  33. yoon seeFebruary 15, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Hello sister Vanessa, as usual very beautiful illustration!
    Did you receive my Christmas greeting card yet?
    I am just curious and worry because it has been taken a long time. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  34. JuanFebruary 15, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    Wonderful interview Vanessa!! I love your line work!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Tim GriffithFebruary 16, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    You inspire me! I always wanted to be an illustrator and your work makes me so happy. The best! -Tim

    ReplyDelete
  36. MechelleFebruary 16, 2011 at 11:34 PM

    I love your happy pictures, they make me smile too!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Ann PilicerFebruary 17, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    Love the pics! Wonderful interview! and such an inspiration always! :D

    ReplyDelete
  38. Bella SinclairFebruary 17, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    Hello, sugar plum! I hope you had a fine Valentine's Day with that gorgeous family of yours. Did ya get that chocolate? A big ol' box of it? I sure hope so!

    Oh goodness, I don't know WHO that angry man was. I was going to delete him, but I thought more people should see what a pitiful person he is. He did not even have the courage to sign is own name! Chickenpoop. Anyway, it was good for a chuckle. Don't give it another thought. American women are AWESOME!

    Love, love, love you!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Francisco MartinsFebruary 18, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    OMG!!! I love this woman! lol! Vanessa I'm so proud of you, what a beautiful interview, loved every word, it was really cool getting to know you a little better. You are an amazing artist, your illustrations are gorgeous and fun and cute and sweet and delicate and AWESOME! Congratulations girl!

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousMarch 1, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    love the portrait photographs of you!
    your illos as always fantastic, inspiring, full of energy and good spirit.

    cheers
    marcus

    ReplyDelete
  41. Kay AkerMarch 9, 2011 at 1:20 AM

    Brilliant and so inspirational! Thanks for being so open and giving! I love, love love your books and am eagerly anticipating the next batch!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy life to leave a comment. Please feel free to leave something funny, constructive or encouraging. Thanks again.