NOOKA | Matthew Waldman Vol. 32: An Interview with Children's Book Author Kevin Waldron

A Dublin-born emerging artist who despises Hollywood movies and pop music

Vol. 32: An Interview with Picture Book Author Kevin Waldron

Kevin Waldron is a children's picture book author and illustrator born in Dublin. He spent his university years in London and has now relocated to New York's East Village, working from his studio in Brooklyn's Red Hook district.

Text by Matthew Waldman

Your picture book illustrations are truly painterly (Matthew)

MatthewYou were born in Dublin and now live in New York. What are the good and bad aspects of each city?

KevinI love New York so much that I can't think of any bad points or drawbacks… If I had to pick one, perhaps that bicycles get damaged by the uneven roads?

Ireland is a good place to grow up, but there aren't many opportunities for someone in this line of work, so I first moved to London. In fact, London served as a good stepping stone to the Big Apple for me, having grown up in Dublin.

It might be a cliché, but the good thing about Ireland is its people, and the bad thing is the weather.

MatthewYour picture book illustrations are truly painterly. What is your process?

KevinTo achieve the texture I envision, I use pens, gouache (pigments mixed with gum arabic as a binder), ink, pencils, crayons, and acrylics, and then adjust the colors on the computer.

MatthewYour picture books have been translated into many languages. How many languages have they been translated into?

KevinHmm, I wonder…? I was surprised to recently stumble upon a Hebrew translation in Israel! I think they've probably been translated into about ten languages. I particularly liked that the Spanish publisher released them in both Spanish and Catalan. Also, an Irish Gaelic version is scheduled for publication soon.

Praise from someone whose work I respect is encouraging (Kevin)

MatthewWhat inspires you recently?

KevinSpeaking of right now, perhaps Bob Gill. I've ordered his latest book and am looking forward to its arrival.

Normally, it's when I'm spending time with friends in the creative industry in New York. You, Matthew, are a good example; praise from someone whose work I respect is truly encouraging, isn't it?

MatthewI heard you dislike Hollywood movies and pop music. Why is that?

KevinThere's no room for denial on that question. There is so much wonderful art to encounter and absorb in a limited lifetime. So, I don't see the point in spending time or money on mediocre things, even for killing time.

It's not that difficult to improve oneself. Whatever I'm doing, I'm analyzing the quality of songs, movies, and stories in my head. Perhaps I'm just not good at zoning out.

MatthewWho is your favorite illustrator?

KevinTomi Ungerer! I went to see him give a talk last year. I'll briefly sketch his work for you. 'The Moon Man,' 'The Hat,' 'The Three Robbers' – I love all of them.

Matthew’s recommendation—Vol.1: Nooka Strip

I wear this belt almost every day myself. My favorite part is the buckle. It clicks into place like interlocking gears, allowing for complete freedom in styling pants, whether low-rise or high-rise. Yet, it's also smooth to remove.