Artist bio: Rebecca Johnson
I grew up in a small town in Southern California. Unlike most artists, it seems that I didn’t take to drawing right away. In fact, I rarely ever drew seriously before I was about 16 years old, when I discovered very suddenly both a passion and an aptitude for drawing. After that, it was mostly a journey of self-discovery and self-teaching before I felt comfortable pursuing art to a professional level.
A huge source of inspiration for my art has always been children. I remember a lot about my own childhood, and when I create art, I always aim to make something that would have delighted my younger self. In my time teaching children, I’ve also found a gold mine of creativity and passion that I draw on continuously and hope to put back out into the world.
I loved doing work for The Trouble with Bubbles. I feel it has been my first real opportunity to communicate with families through my work. I wanted to illustrate in a way that would inspire other children to explore art. Growing up, I think master works of art were so intimidating that, instead of rising to the occasion, I felt like giving up before even starting. So, I didn’t try it for many years.
I hope that these illustrations might be a message to those reading this book that art can start anywhere and anytime. I encourage readers of any age or experience to try it without fear or the pressure of perfection. I truly believe that, whether you make a career of it or do it for fun on the weekends, it will remain a very rewarding activity.
Artist bio: Meg Emerson
I have been an art teacher for over 25 years and enjoy working in various mediums from clay to watercolors. I truly love the freedom and expression I get when working with watercolor as the medium. It just makes the paintings look alive and doesn’t make them appear closed up.
I Studied art in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles, and have my education credentials in those states as well, including a master’s degree from Adelphi University in Long Island, New York, and have owned my own art studio and gallery for many years in Westlake, California. Over the past 23 years, I have taught at Moorpark High School and have been the Fine Arts Department chairperson for most of those 23 years.
When asked, “What is the greatest reason for teaching?” I reply, “Seeing the passion you can create in others and watching their love for the arts become their life. That is the best gift of all.”
Artist bio: Simran Patel
I am a 17-year-old girl living in Georgia who loves to create art. Art has been a passion of mine since I was in preschool, and it has driven me ever since. As an Indian girl born and raised in America, I never have a shortage of inspiration from either culture, and I take pride in being able to be a part of both. Art is the best way for me to de-stress and enjoy myself, which is part of the reason why I’ve grown to be so enthusiastic about it.
Artist bio: Mindie Farpelha
My name is Mindie Farpelha, and I am a high school student in California. I am currently a junior and will be a senior next year. Art has always been a strong passion of mine—since I can remember. Just recently this year, I began dabbling in ceramics and enjoy it very much. My main passion is drawing. I have been drawing since I could hold a pencil, and it really represents who I am as a person.