Margaret Anne Suggs is an American illustrator now based in Dublin.
Margaret Anne's beautiful illustrations have featured in over a dozen children's books in four languages.
Many thanks to Margaret Anne for sharing her art insights with us! Before jumping into her interview below, check out her work on her website.
Artist Interview
What's the latest piece of art that you have put out into the world?
In the last few months I've had 2 picture books published.
The third in the Pigín of Howth series (with Kathleen Watkins) entitled Pigín's Unexpected Adventure has just come out.
The other book is an exciting collaboration with author Sine Quinn, entitled Holy Shocking Saints. It's a kind of encyclopedia extraordinaire covering 12 Saints of Ireland. The stories are a mix of Irish mythology and Celtic legend and show that saints were strangely revered long before Christian scholars claimed them! Did you know there is a Mermaid saint? There are some weird stories.
What drives you to keep creating?
It's just what I do – it's in my nature. I've always been a 'make and do' person. Sometimes I wonder what else I would do with my time if I spent less of it creating but then I get distracted by some new project or other.
Is there another artist's work that you would recommend, and why?
The answer to this question changes on a daily basis! There is so much art out there to love.
For illustrators I've been keeping an eye on Lilian Brogger and Julia Schigal. Brogger's work is edgy, scribbly and full of cool details. Schigal's work is just colourful and full of joy!
For an all-time favourite, I follow Mr Mortimer's wife. She makes the most stunning tiaras for every occasion.
For a local artist - I have so many artist friends in Ireland that it's hard to choose just one, but I'd love to plug the effervescent Una Gildea whose wacky collages and animations are well worth a look.
Do you have any advice for creators that are just starting out?
Just do your thing. The world is wide, you'll find your audience, and as long as it brings you happiness, you need to do your thing.
Where can we find your work?
Most of it is half finished on the drafting board!
I have a website (margaretannesuggs.com) or you can contact me through twitter or instagram @masillustration.
My books are best when purchased locally from an independent bookseller, and you can find a list of titles on my website.
