[Featured Illustrators] Danielle Boodoo-Fortuné

Danielle Boodoo-Fortuné
Trinidad and Tobago

Danielle Boodoo-Fortuné's illustrations have appeared in previous issues of Anansesem, notably as the cover images for the May 2011 and September 2011 issues. The illustration titled 'Hope is a Thing A Thing That Grows' is part of a mural on a classroom wall. Danielle painted the piece without any plans or preconceived ideas. She wanted it to flow directly from a particular feeling, or sense: hope as something alive, something to be returned to with open hands. It is an attempt to capture the seemingly small and fragile yet resilient nature of hope in the face of all that is unknown and intimidating.

Danielle on what Caribbean children’s illustration means to her:

"As a child, the pieces of art that always affected me most were those few that I could identify with in terms of subject material, but at the same time, suggested something that I could feel quite strongly, yet could never quite put my finger on. I am always chasing this, as an artist: pieces which are familiar and relatable to children in the Caribbean, pieces which stir and affect. I can see no reason why art for children should lack depth and intensity of purpose."

Biography

Danielle is a poet and artist from Trinidad. Her work has previously been published in Bim: Arts for the 21st Century, The Caribbean Writer, Anthurium, Small Axe Literary Salon, Poui: Cave Hill Journal of Creative Writing, Tongues of the Ocean, Canopic Jar, and St. Somewhere Journal.

View more of Danielle's work here: www.danielleboodoofortune.blogspot.com

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About Anansesem

Anansesem is an online magazine of Caribbean children's and young adult literature by adults and children. We strive to bring you the best in news, reviews and creative content from the world of Caribbean children's publishing.