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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/

41 comments:

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

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

Shell said...

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

Tamara Henderson said...

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.

k.h.whitaker said...

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

bee said...

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

Nina Seven N7 said...

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.

michele said...

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)

Janine said...

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

Janine said...

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

rachel awes said...

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!)

Jenn Bower said...

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.

lincoln said...

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!

Carin Bramsen said...

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.

Unknown said...

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!

Brad said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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

Melissa

Lisa M Griffin said...

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!!! :)

S.E.Minegar said...

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.

Lynn Alpert said...

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

Bella Sinclair said...

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!

theartofpuro said...

Wonderful interview:)

salli s. swindell said...

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.

S.E.Minegar said...

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

:)

Vicki Smith said...

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

RuAn said...

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

michael robertson said...

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.

Michaele Razi said...

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 ;)

Unknown said...

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

Ana M.F. said...

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

Ces Adorio said...

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!!!

Eric Barclay said...

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

Shirley said...

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! : )

yoon see said...

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!

Juan said...

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

Tim Griffith said...

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

Mechelle said...

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

Ann Pilicer said...

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

Bella Sinclair said...

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!

Francisco Martins said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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

cheers
marcus

Kay Aker said...

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