Piotr Parda Profile

Stats? Name, location? Do you have a day job?

Piotr Parda, Somerville, self employed.

How did you hear about Ripple Grove Press? What was the submission process like for you?

About Ripple Grove Press I heard from our mutual friend who wrote the first book they agreed to publish. The submission process was as follows: "Piotr, do you want to finally publish that book we were working on (and off) for the last eight years?", "Yup!" 

What’s your work style? Early morning, late at night? All at once, bits at a time?

Work style: All at once, but bits at a time.

Who are some of your creative idols?

'Classical' art (Bosch, Dürer, Friedrich), modern artists (Magritte, Duchamp), contemporary artists (Martin Creed, Tim Hawkinson, Rodney Graham). I admire passion combined with playfulness.

Where does your inspiration come from?

From "within" or at least it feels like it. I often find myself having to refuel my "within" by going outside and observing, making notes and sketching. Visiting all kinds of museums and traveling helps a lot. Internet changed everything in terms of looking for information and materials but I don't think it can replace the old fashioned foot work.

What are the biggest wins/challenges illustrating for children?

To have the story that really catches their attention. It goes for people of all ages except children won't pretend to like something just to be polite. The kids are straight with you.

What mediums do you like to work with? What medium would you like to use in your next children’s book?

I don't have a favorite medium but I'm very medium conscious. The technique is always dictated by the premise. For example, if the story was about mining coal I would draw my illustrations with coal. However it's not always that predictable. 

What are you working on right now?

I'm taking a break from books to work on my fine arts projects. I just did some woodcuts and now I'm working on some objects.

What’s your favorite picture book, besides your own, of course?!

The industry is so competitive and dynamic that there is always a new arrival that beats my previous favorites. I like most of Mo Willems books, Polish titles from the 70's and 80's but I won't torture you with their pronunciation right now and of course Where the Wild Things Are.

Check out Piotr's websites here and here to see more of his work.