I was born in the midwest, moved quickly south to Texas, and then on up to Anchorage, Alaska.
Living in the "Last Frontier" from 1974-1983 doesn't have a lot to do with children's books, but those memories are very important to me. Alaska, more than any other place, defines my childhood - contains it - and keeps it alive.
Like kids in many places, I explored the woods, floated tinfoil boats in the gutter and played with friends. As an Alaskan, I loved the snow and the Fur Rendevous celebrations in winter. I got pretty comfortable with the occasional moose wandering through our yard, and I was even run-over by a dog sled!
I also loved to draw! At one point, my friend Robert Eastlack and I decided that we should be brain surgeons. Why? Because we had steady hands from all of our dinosaur doodling of course :)
Needless to say... I am not a brain surgeon.
We moved a few more times over several years after elementary school and drawing was my way of fitting in to each new place. Slowly but certainly, drawing defined me.
In Minnesota, a terrific high school art teacher kept my artistic interests alive despite numerous possible distractions (cycling, soccer, track, summer BBQs etc.). Somewhere between pop-up books and printmaking it seemed like living as an ARTIST was something that I could aspire to.
After graduating from Carleton College (Northfield, MN) in 1994 with a degree in Art and a teaching certificate, I thought that I would follow in the footsteps of my high school art teacher. Between substitute teaching assignments however, I started telling stories in my sketchbook.
I dabbled around with several ideas and tried to get serious about creating a portfolio of suitable children's book illustration. During this process, and over several years, I stumbled upon the ideas for my first book, The Practically Perfect Pajamas.
Far, far, away!
While not so simple as that of course, this is where my work as a writer and illustrator began.
AH HA!
I love telling stories and creating the art to go with them. With each book I learn something new about painting, drawing, and writing, and hope that this will always be the case. Occassional sleepless nights and deadlines aside, I love what I do -- I don't even mind the all nighters that much -- I just get tired :)
WINTHROP, WASHINGTON, U.S.A
Today I live in Winthrop, WA with my wife Sarah and our young daughter. There is also Max, the most handsome mutt of a dog that you will ever meet. Expect Max to have a book of his own someday. If I don't write it, Max'll take matters into his own paws! When not drawing, writing, or updateing this ever-growing webpage, I also enjoy coaching cross-country skiing or wandering the foothills of the Cascade mountains. Sarah and I also spend a fair bit of time chasing after the kid - just living!
THANKS FOR VISITING!
Super Jock and Jill in Seattle, Washington -- April 2000