Artist Profile: Aaron Boyd
Aaron Boyd is an illustrator and creator of children's books working in traditional mediums such as watercolors, paper, crayon and ink. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Aaron has always sought to represent the diversity and beauty of our world in the pages of children's books because he believes it's important for all children to see themselves represented in books. Aaron has illustrated over 40 books working with several publishers such as Lee and Low, Little Brown, Houghton Mifflin and Scholastic. And while he is proud of awards won over the years, Aaron feels the greatest reward is getting to keep inspiring children through his art.
1) What are the challenges and triumphs you have experienced being a professional artist?
I believe the challenges never cease, but it's often how I look at and decide to work through them that makes all the difference. The first challenge is often honing one's creative voice-style. I've found it's always good to be open to different directions and experiences. The technical skills of painting and writing can be learned, but I feel it's the experiences of life (other artists, failures, successes, travel etc) which have pushed me furthest creatively. And since we are always evolving creatively, that voice will evolve too—it's good to be open to that. The next challenge which most creatives worry about is making a living. Early on it was simply about securing paid work. Then it shifted to getting the work that spoke to me or used my own voice more. Especially in times like this, I am continually getting my work out there or assigning myself assignments. Not worrying about the job today so much as to keep things moving forward.
2) Which of the following words accurately reflect past (or present) themes explored in your work: dialog, define, disrupt or decolonize?
I think ‘dialog’ is probably the most important word in my artwork. Or as I often use, "Empathy." I am always most interested in that discussion with children—relating to someone else or a character in a story. Asking boys, "Can you relate to this girl's feelings even if you are not a girl?" Or from my book Calling the Water Drum, "Can you relate to this orphaned boy from Haiti?" I use these as bridges to help kids connect to characters who seem to have nothing in common with them. And by the end of book events, I'll see those little light bulbs going off in their heads. They may not have experienced the exact experience that a character has, but by putting them in touch with a loss they have witnessed, they begin to understand. When you have that empathy dialog, we all get a greater understanding.
3) Any special projects you are looking forward to pursuing in 2021?
The things I'm most focused on this year creatively are my own written and illustrated books. I've illustrated about 40 books (to date), but found certain internal stories kept rising to the surface. Out of a dozen stories I've developed, I feel three are nearly ready to be shared; a process which I have just started. So hopefully my next book will say, "written and illustrated by Aaron Boyd." Now that I'm also a first time, stay-at-home dad, I have even more creative directions to draw on.
4) Fave installation, exhibition, writing &/or performance by another artist that you've recently encountered?
I'd say one of my favorite pieces by an artist recently was a book event by Jason Reynolds here in Milwaukee. It was truly amazing to see the diversity in age, gender and race at his event. Little children and retirees all hooked on his every word, energy and sophisticated subjects. We are all artists; it's just that we work in different mediums. And his words were like a verbal symphony.