Artist Recalls Early Days and Inspiration
By Nicholas Papini | Observer Contributor
Richard Michelson, artist, author, and owner of the R. Michelson Gallery in Northampton, MA, stated that western Massachusetts is the center of children’s book illustrations in the United States.
Michelson is an award-winning children’s book author and acclaimed poet, and his gallery features 240 artists. He held a gallery talk in the East Wing Gallery which featured work from several of the artists under his banner, including Jules Feiffer, Mordicai Gerstein, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, and Mo Willems.
Michelson stated that within the western MA sphere are several other locations important to the industry of children’s books, including the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst.
Michelson may be an accomplished artist today, but when he was just starting out he sold art out of the back of the van. His first gallery was an 8-by-16 foot space which he walled off with a shower curtain.
Michelson largely fell into doing children’s book illustrations, but he assumed at the time that it may be good for sales. “It came as a revelation to me that the very best of children’s books came from a combination of great poetry and great art,” recalled Michelson.
Michelson’s gallery was the first in the country to show the original illustrations that went into children’s books. Previously, the art was discarded after its use.
Michelson’s two greatest interests at the time, about five years after his first gallery opening, were poetry and illustrations, which effectively changed the direction of both his personal career and his gallery.
Michelson said that when his gallery features an artist they are with that artist for the rest of his or her life. Style changes happen, and one of Michelson’s more popular artists, Rebecca Guay of Magic: The Gathering fame, is one such example. She changed her style from a more feminine offshoot of the Magic: The Gathering style to something more sexually explicit and evocative.
“Artists are artists,” Michelson said, “you can’t control them.”
Michelson advised aspiring artists to be open to showing their work at smaller venues, such as local coffee shops and libraries. He said he believes that new artists have to work hard to get off the ground and that it’s not an easy life. Kicking in doors and being persistent are beneficial when it comes to getting your foot in the door.
The R. Michelson Gallery hosted an event on November 10 honoring its 40th anniversary. The event also covered the gallery’s 30th Annual Illustration Show.
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