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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, February 2, 2003

BOOKS FOR KEIKI
Illustrator's art simple yet sophisticated

By Jolie Jean Cotton

Award-winning author/illustrator G. Brian Karas is excited about his first trip to Honolulu this month for the upcoming Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Winter Conference.

"I'm fascinated by the idea of your island state," Karas said in a phone interview. "Geologically, culturally, beachally. And if there is something I can bring to share, that would make my trip complete."

Scott Goto, a Honolulu children's book illustrator, is eager to learn what Karas has to share. "When I first saw Karas' 'Sleepless Beauty,' I walked around the bookstore in a daze," Goto said. "I couldn't believe how good it was. It blew me away."

There is a simplicity to Karas' art that is deceptive. At first you might think a child made these pictures. Look closer and you'll discover the ingenious shifts in perspective, variety in composition and subtle humorous details that only an exceptionally talented artist can produce.

"Brian's art blends a childlike quality with a high level of sophistication," Goto said. "He combines the best of both worlds."

" 'Sophistication' might imply an adult sensibility, which I don't intend," Karas said when told of the comment. "What I aim for is to create an opportunity for a child to see things from a less-visited perspective. I draw and paint the way I see the world. As hard as I may try otherwise, my work always looks like my work. What I hope is that it speaks to children in a language they understand, which is a difficult thing to do without bringing in my adult point of view.

Karas has illustrated 72 published books, six of which he also wrote. He has completed four more titles that are soon to be published. Still, Karas said, each day he struggles as an artist.

"A minute or two may get by me when I don't, but I've learned that the struggle is good for me. It is what feeds my art," Karas said. "I've wallowed in satisfaction and I grow lazy in it. I don't mean to imply that I'm never happy with my work — I just think there is an endless amount of stories to tell, of ways to see and express an idea."

Since his first book in 1983, Karas' work has won national recognition and awards from many organizations, including the American Library Association, American Booksellers Association and the prestigious Boston Globe-Horn Book.

"When I think of the impact that some books had on me as a child (and an adult), I can think of nothing more worthy than to try to do the same for someone else,' Karas said. "So yes, I am constantly aware that what I do can have an impact on a child, and what a tremendous responsibility that can be."

At the Honolulu conference Feb. 22, Karas will critique portfolios, discuss how an illustrator works with text and take part in a question-and-answer session with a panel that includes Samantha McFerrin, Chronicle children's book editor; and James Rumford, Hawai'i author/illustrator (and sometimes Advertiser keiki book writer).