Illustrator Bryan Collier started painting at the age of 15 in his hometown of Pocomoke, MD. The eastern shore of Maryland served as the backdrop for many of his early works which included–the bay, marshlands, and wildlife, as Collier developed his style of painting that incorporated water colors and collage. During this interview, Collier shares his interest in books as a young reader, how he integrates his original style of painting into children’s books and his collaborations with authors such as Nikki Giovanni (Rosa) and Nikki Grimes (Barack Obama: Child of Promise) (recorded in 2009 at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC).
A Conversation with Illustrator Bryan Collier