KBN: Tell us about how you came up with the idea for Finding Figgins.
SL: Finding Figgins came to me around 25 years ago when I wanted to create some fantasy illustrations inspired by beautiful dreams I’ve had. At that time, I was beginning to entertain the idea of writing and illustrating a book for kids. I completed around 7 illustrations, which was just before I went to grad school for art to focus on glass. That resulted in putting the book and illustrations to the side for more than 2 decades until the pandemic happened. In 2020, I happened to be suffering from a chronic illness for 7 years so when the pandemic hit I had to be extra careful. It became the perfect time to pick up the project again in quarantine, since my chronic illness was affecting my ability to be so physical in my job of blowing glass, the timing was even better. It took 3 years total to illustrate the book, and 2 of those years were through the pandemic.
The story changed a couple of times, and it wasn’t until I was facing the pain and loss of a friendship that the story re-wrote itself. Ironically, I was dealing with my loss through illustration, somewhat similar to Figgins’ painting escapes in the garden.
KBN: What drew you to write such a whimsical and imaginative story?
SL: In my perfect world, animals talk, the world has no shortage of flowers or cats and I have daily access to a water labyrinth. The arts are also sacred in that world, a little magic is in the air, and we’re all loved like we deserve. I decided to bring some of that to life in my book.
KBN: Tell us about your illustrations and the ideas behind them.
SL: For as long as I can remember I have had very interesting dreams. I always remember them, and they tend to be either horrible nightmares or painfully beautiful with nothing in between. Many of the scenes like the water labyrinth, the tunnel of giant flowers, and the pumpkin scene come from my good dreams. Other themes which involve love and respect for all animals run throughout the book.
Although the story is written for children, I created the illustrations to function on two levels, one for adults and one for children. The illustrations tell subtle sub-stories that can’t be found in the words. Not everyone will pick up on the details, but I did want the parents to know there’s something in the book just for them.
There are also some hidden nuggets for the kids too, like the same mice that Figgins reads poetry to, are reading from the book while waiting in the pumpkin carriage to be summoned by a very famous storybook character…. Then, of course, there are mischievous gingerbread men and cats with their various personalities who keep their paws on the pulse of the town.
KBN: What will kids love most about your book(s)?
SL: Kids seem to really respond to the illustrations and quirkiness of the book. There were many styles of illustration that could have carried the story, but I focused on vibrant magical realism, illustrating with a soft style that carries a rich dreamlike quality.
Also, kids are not limited by rules in their imagination, and if you’ve ever listened closely to how they tell stories they throw in the wildest things. I felt comfortable in letting my book go places that adults might not see coming or find predictable, much like children do when they tell each other stories. I think they will resonate with some of the quirks and turns.
KBN: Will you be doing any book tours?
SL: I’m in the very early stages of launching the book. I am just focusing on getting my book out there, but I would welcome it!
KBN: What advice do you have for parents on getting their kids reading?
SL: I think that reinforcing reading as an activity of self-care and escapism from all the things kids face today does double duty to get their minds working while establishing it as a fun and soothing activity. I would also suggest a simple switch of roles where the parents take turns reading to their kids, but also being the audience. Children are wild at narrating stories while adults are so very linear. It’s a good exercise for both the parents who are always used to being in charge, and the kids who can tell a familiar story the way they want it told.
KBN: What will parents and teachers love most about your book(s)?
SL: Adults will find another level to Finding Figgins in the illustrations and the story. While it’s likely not every adult will pick up on the references in the book created just for them, they will get out of it what they bring with them. By that I mean, if you’re an art lover, you’ll be likely to pick up on the play on Magritte and even Klimt in Figgins’ portrait. If you love cars, you’ll be in for a treat because Figgins has exquisite taste, and if you are a fan of poetry and you’re looking closely enough at the poem Figgins is reading, you’ll glimpse one of T.S. Eliot’s most famous poems. Adults will notice that Figgins has a special fondness for assisting sea creatures to fly and that despite Figgins’ best attempts to soothe his loneliness with a gummy bear friend of his own, (snow candy scene) he is not exempt from overindulging while coping which will read differently to an adult than a child.
KBN: What's your next project?
SL: I would love to delve into the personalities of Mrs. Zebrasky’s cats as well as build the world that Figgins lives in by telling the stories of Beeks and Poody who pop up in the final pages. But when a book takes 3 years to illustrate, perhaps the next task should be a focus on efficiency!
Thank you so much Shayna for taking the time to share your love of art, writing, and the whimsical behind your book illustrations. There are plenty of little hidden treats for kids and parents. I love the softness of the artwork and the bright colors. It is a truly magical story.
Shayna will also be featured at The Neophyte Writer where she will share her writing process. You can find Shayna on various social media platforms listed below. Be sure to visit her website to see her amazing glass-blown art.
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