The Bird King: An Artist's Notebook

by Shaun Tan

"Staring at a blank piece of paper, I can't think of anything original. I feel utterly... read more

"Staring at a blank piece of paper, I can't think of anything original. I feel utterly uninspired and unreceptive. It's the familiar malaise of 'artist's block' and in such circumstances there is only one thing to do: Just start drawing." Following this thoughtful introduction, which goes on to say more about creativity and the creative process, Shaun Tan opens the door to a treasure trove of visual gems, sharing sketches and drafts of both published and unpublished works. The book is divided into sections titled "untold stories"; "book, theater, and film"; "drawings from life"; and "notebooks." Each section begins with a brief introduction by Tan followed by page upon page of sketches, drawings, and paintings. Only the "drawings from life" section offers a glimpse of the world as it really looks, for Tan's works most often reflect the realm of his unique imagination, where fantastic creatures or impossible scenarios are suddenly possible and vivid, sometimes frightening, sometimes poignant, and always fascinating. A "list of works" at book's end provides more information about each drawing-including the final version (film, poster, book) if there was one. (Age 11 and older)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2014

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