A New Beginning

Posted on 20 December 2009 · 7 Comments

As I work away in my studio, minding my own business, everyone tells me I must have a “Web profile”. Blowing my own trumpet or fishing for compliments isn’t my way. So there will be no faux-poetic ramblings or even the slightest rinsing of dirty laundry. Instead you will discover a little about how I work and where my ideas come from, together with an exploration of some of my books. I’ll post sketches and roughs new and old and hopefully make it as useful and interesting as I possibly can by sharing ideas and passions with anyone who finds themselves here…

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James Mayhew

James is the creator of the much-loved Katie and Ella Bella Ballerina series and has written or illustrated many other books, including Koshka’s Tales, Mouse & Mole (by Joyce Dunbar) and Gaspard the Fox (by Zeb Soanes). Alongside his work in publishing, James performs live on stage during concerts for children, combining live classical music, storytelling and art.

7 responses to “A New Beginning”

  1. joanne May avatar
    joanne May

    Hi James,
    I see I am your first new follower here. I will look forward to visiting you in the future and seeing your creative ideas. As it is your blog you can blow your own trumpet if you like. I don’t mind!:)
    Oh by the way, I see you like dusty old books too. I found ‘The Snow Queen’. An early addition from 1905, in Oxfam the other day.
    I nearly bought it but it cost £40.
    The cover was still in very good condition but it had a few worn pages. Beautiful illustrations though. I was very tempted to buy it!
    Good to see you again. I know I have not visited you for a while but I will see you here in the New Year…
    Best wishes for Christmas and for 2010.
    Jo May.

    Reply
  2. James Mayhew avatar
    James Mayhew

    Hello joanne May,

    Thanks for looking! The Snow Queen sounds almost irresistable! I wonder who the illustrator was? I love that story, even though it scarecd me when I was little. I’d love to illustrate it one day myself…

    Yes I love “dusty old books” and think the book as a form should be celebrated and enjoyed in this digital age. Doesn’t 2010 sound really “space-age”? But we’re not wearing tin foil jump-suits with jet packs or anything. not yet…

    Happy New Year!

    Reply
  3. Mr. Ted Edinger avatar
    Mr. Ted Edinger

    Greetings! I have no idea how you found me “Art With Mr. E”…but I’m glad you did! I love what I’m seeing about your work!! I’ll have to ask my school librarian if we have any of your books!!! If not…she always asks me what I’d like her to get!! 🙂 Blessings to you.

    Ted E …aka..Mr. E

    Reply
  4. James Mayhew avatar
    James Mayhew

    Hello Mr E and welcome!

    I just happened upon your work online – art/education being the theme. I loved your blog, full of creativity!!! Keep in touch.

    Reply
  5. Julia Kelly avatar
    Julia Kelly

    I am very very glad someone told you had to have a web profile! I have already gotten several ideas on bringing literature to the classroom- I was responsible for a Christmas program a few years ago and did shadow theater- loved it and wanted to do more- will put your post in a folder for future reference~!

    Reply
  6. James Mayhew avatar
    James Mayhew

    Hello Julia Kelkly,

    Thanks for looking at the site… I’ll try to keep on posting interesting and useful stuff. Your work is beautiful, by the way.

    J

    Reply
  7. James Mayhew avatar
    James Mayhew

    I mean Julia Kelly,
    Sorry – bad typing!!!!

    Reply

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