In this episode of A Heartful of History, host Selene Castrovilla sits down with author Gary Golio and visual storyteller E.B. Lewis to discuss their collaborative work on "The Soldier's Friend: Walt Whitman's Extraordinary Service in the American Civil War". The conversation delves into the themes of compassion, the emotional impact of storytelling, and the importance of art in conveying humanity. They reflect on their personal experiences, the significance of their artistic partnership, and the profound influence of words on children. In this engaging conversation, E.B., Gary and Selene discuss the profound themes of art, creativity, and collaboration. They explore the essence of humanity in art, the unique dynamics of picture book publishing, and the importance of research and authenticity in storytelling. The dialogue emphasizes the role of fear in the creative process, the value of mistakes, and the necessity of open-mindedness in both art and life. The speakers share personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the transformative power of literature and the continuous journey of growth as artists. E.B.'s stunning art in "Everywhere Beauty Is Harlem:the Vision of Photographer Roy Decarava", another collaboration with Gary, has earned that book a 2025 Coretta Scott King Honor! Takeaways The collaboration between Gary Golio and E.B. Lewis is rooted in friendship and shared passion for storytelling. Walt Whitman's role as 'The Soldier's Friend' highlights the importance of compassion during the Civil War. Art can serve as a powerful medium to convey deep emotions and human connections. The emotional impact of storytelling is crucial in children's literature. E.B. Lewis emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling in his illustrations. The process of creating a book involves deep conversations and mutual understanding between the author and illustrator. Words have the power to uplift or discourage children, making it essential to choose them wisely. The legacy of artists is to leave behind something meaningful for future generations. Personal experiences shape the way artists connect with their subjects and audiences. The importance of empathy in storytelling resonates with both creators and readers. Art is about love and care. The essence of humanity is captured in art. Collaboration is key in the creative process. Research and authenticity enhance storytelling. Fear can be a powerful motivator in creativity. Mistakes are essential for growth and learning. Open-mindedness enriches artistic experiences. Each story demands a unique voice. Art evolves through challenges and experiences. Literature has a profound impact on humanity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Work 06:36 The Story Behind 'The Soldier's Friend' 14:09 Walt Whitman's Impact and Humanity 22:58 The Artistic Process and Emotional Connection 29:06 The Art of Storytelling Through Imagery 30:07 Finding Models and Inspiration 31:04 The Journey of Creating Characters 36:35 The Impact of Encouragement on Children 37:33 The Power of Simplicity in Storytelling 39:21 Emotional Depth in Artistic Expression 43:59 Collaboration in the Creative Process 51:26 The Importance of Authenticity in Art 54:29 The Intersection of Art and Humanity 55:25 The Creative Process: Time and Collaboration 58:13 Artistic Evolution and Individual Voice 01:01:53 The Role of Fear in Creativity 01:05:34 Embracing Mistakes and Growth 01:09:30 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Art 01:13:17 Books as Journeys: Connecting with Readers
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