Illustrations.
Influences of the Marshall Islands.
Most recently I completed illustrating my first children's book "Island of the Invisible Being", Benjua's Story: A Legend from The Marshall Islands. It is based on an island fable from the South Pacific and written by Madelain Westermann.
It is now available to purchase.
"Island of the Invisible Being" is finally here!
Ms. J
I have just received a copy of your book and I am absolutely speechless. It is so beautiful and you have captured every aspect of the story and culture in every image. Your attention to detail is amazing and I love the vibrancy of each color. My favorite page is when the canoe is swallowed by the sea and how you captured their transformation so seamlessly- as if their fate was meant to be all along. As I read it to a 7 year old I babysit for, I thought to myself this may be too complex and it may lose her attention. I was wrong. As I read, she followed each picture pointing out something she liked or something she noticed or asked questions that she thought of. Your paintings showed the meaning and complexity of the words. Not only was this enjoyable for a 7 year old, but for me as I thought about the story and the meaning it was truly inspirational and moving. I am so thankful that I had you as a teacher and mentor and that you have come so far in chasing your dreams and doing what you love. While I was your student, I knew you were someone who wouldn't give up or settle for mediocre- and this truly shows your talent and dedication. It is a driving force in me to follow my dreams no matter how difficult or distant they may seem. Thank you for sharing your talents with us. Keep working to make more children's books! As an educator in training, I expect to have a shelf of books illustrated by Erin Johnson so I can share your gift with them as well.
With Love,
Annaliese Harvey
I have just received a copy of your book and I am absolutely speechless. It is so beautiful and you have captured every aspect of the story and culture in every image. Your attention to detail is amazing and I love the vibrancy of each color. My favorite page is when the canoe is swallowed by the sea and how you captured their transformation so seamlessly- as if their fate was meant to be all along. As I read it to a 7 year old I babysit for, I thought to myself this may be too complex and it may lose her attention. I was wrong. As I read, she followed each picture pointing out something she liked or something she noticed or asked questions that she thought of. Your paintings showed the meaning and complexity of the words. Not only was this enjoyable for a 7 year old, but for me as I thought about the story and the meaning it was truly inspirational and moving. I am so thankful that I had you as a teacher and mentor and that you have come so far in chasing your dreams and doing what you love. While I was your student, I knew you were someone who wouldn't give up or settle for mediocre- and this truly shows your talent and dedication. It is a driving force in me to follow my dreams no matter how difficult or distant they may seem. Thank you for sharing your talents with us. Keep working to make more children's books! As an educator in training, I expect to have a shelf of books illustrated by Erin Johnson so I can share your gift with them as well.
With Love,
Annaliese Harvey
Hi Erin -
I just got a copy of the Island of the Invisible Being (autographed my Madelain, my best friend since 4th grade) and just had to let you know how gorgeous your illustrations are!! You make a lovely story into a stunning creation with your art.
Just wanted to let you know how gifted you are and wishing you health and prosperity for this next year...
All the best,
Lynne
I just got a copy of the Island of the Invisible Being (autographed my Madelain, my best friend since 4th grade) and just had to let you know how gorgeous your illustrations are!! You make a lovely story into a stunning creation with your art.
Just wanted to let you know how gifted you are and wishing you health and prosperity for this next year...
All the best,
Lynne
Erin-
Julie gave me a copy of your book and I've been sitting here in heaven looking at your amazing illustrations and your web site. I'm inspired and want to thank you for that. Congratulations on your great work. I can see lots of kids and ya know, big kids like me, enjoying this book for a long long time.
Best!!
Barb
Julie gave me a copy of your book and I've been sitting here in heaven looking at your amazing illustrations and your web site. I'm inspired and want to thank you for that. Congratulations on your great work. I can see lots of kids and ya know, big kids like me, enjoying this book for a long long time.
Best!!
Barb
Below are some of the drawings and illustrations from the book. I have included a few showing the progression of the work. The works took quite some time to create..... In fact- I have two sets of drawings that had to be done and then changed according to the publisher and authors wishes along with the final illustrations. The actual painting time of some of the illustrations took around 30 hours each because of all of the fine details. The paintings are done using watercolor and very fine black markers.
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a children's book illustrator. I have been very fortunate to be able to encapsulate my passions of art, teaching, and illustrations into the incredible learning experience. The project has been wonderful opportunity and I look forward to what may come in the future. My hopes are to continue illustrating and exploring my professional growth in the arena.