Author, Illustrator and Diver John Gibb wraps up another beautifully illustrated children’s story and begins another. John and Creative Director David Brady discussed a number of topics relating to his latest book series about Lily and her adventures.
DB: How long have you been writing, when did you start?
JG: It has been a lifelong longtime activity: for work and when the spirit calls.
DB: What inspired the idea for the Lily Series?
JG: Recently the instructor in an online class asked participants to present thoughts for a story. What unexpectedly emerged flowed in a few minutes.
DB: Did you create the Lily series specifically for kids? Why?
JG: It was a surprise there could be more than one story.
DB: What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
JG: Don’t do it, unless you can’t help yourself.
DB: How do you develop your drawings? Do you have a process?
JG: Not a process... more finding what fits the needs of the project.
Photography came first. Then it seemed that the story might benefit from other images. Happily, a tablet computer with drawing app also provided the opportunity to add digital sketches.
DB: Your images are very lyrical, does music play a part in your drawings?
JG: No. But the experience of diving stimulates other senses. It can impact a project in unexpected ways.
DB: How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
JG: It is always a thrill to return to the water to see whatever Nature reveals. Diving is a reward.
DB: If your book were made into a movie, which actress would play Lily?
JG: There are lots of fine actors today. Anyone playing Lily would have to be brave and joyful, be a talented diver and love the oceans, sharks and other ocean critters. Good hair in the water and out would be helpful.
DB: Are there any books or authors that inspired you to want to make a book?
JG: Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel has long been helpful.
DB: We have enjoyed creating these publications with you John and look forward to the next one!
To purchase any of the Lily books visit Amazon. > Lily and Her Sharks