Artist’s Statement

As a professional educator and life-long naturalist, I draw upon research and direct observation in the New England, Southwest, Midwest, and Texas landscapes to realize my picture book characters. Rascally Ravens, written by Patricia Petersen and illustrated by me, features Carmen and Angelo, a mischievous raven pair who take up residence in farmer Hattie’s backyard, creating adventures and challenges for her and themselves. While the book’s primary purpose is entertainment, the exhibition will also model for children and adult audiences my research process, storyboards for sequencing page layouts, and full-color illustration techniques to inspire viewers to tell their own visual narratives.

Raven Fun Facts

Color & Size: Ravens have shiny black feathers and can grow up to 25 in. long with a wing span of over 4 ft.

Speech: Ravens have their own calls, but can also learn to talk like people and animals.

Intelligence: Ravens can solve complex problems and have a good memory for sounds, food sources, and human faces.

Clutch: The number of eggs, usually 3-7, a mother raven will lay. Eggs are usually light green with brown flecks.

Food: Ravens aren’t picky about their diet. They forage wild fruit and nuts, but will also eat pet food and garbage.

Cache: Food that ravens store by hiding it under leaf piles, and clumps of snow.