Susan Eaddy Illustrates “The Quiet Mouse”
We loved Susan Eaddy’s adorable illustration of “The Quiet Mouse” in the January 2012 Babybug, and the video she shot while making it.
When we asked Susan to tell us more about “The Quiet Mouse,” she said, “I work all day in my attic studio with my fluffy fat cat who regularly chimes in with his expertise. He was especially interested in this Babybug illustration, since he considers himself an expert on all things rodent.
“Many animals have populated my studio through the years, including my 13-year-old newts, Olivia Newt and John. When I read the poem about the Quiet Mouse living in a quiet house, it seemed only natural that our mouse should live in a library where quietness reigns! And since he is in a library, he should have a book and–of course–a friend he could read to.
“My studio is warm and cozy in the winter, but is unfortunately EXTREMELY warm in the summer, which is when our Quiet Mouse was created. Since the AC and 3 fans can’t keep things cool in a Nashville summer, I have to get creative in warding off the clay melt with my trusty turkey roaster pan. My video shows the work in progress, and a glimpse of my studio in all of its messy glory.”
You can watch Susan create another wonderful illustration for Click, Babybug‘s sister magazine, here. To learn more about Susan and her artwork, please visit her website.
Sharyn replied:
This is such a great video… we can feel how Susan works. She’s an amazing artist. Thanks for sharing! Hope you will feature her work again.
January 2, 2012 at 9:20 pm. Permalink.
Numbers Gallipeau replied:
I consider something really special in this site.
January 3, 2012 at 9:03 am. Permalink.
Peter Nash replied:
This creator of art lives in a special world and shares insight into that place with all us mortals. Seeing her work her magic brought a smile to my face and reminded me of a special place to visit when feeling poorly. She is a wizard of sentiment. I love her work. How often can we feel transported to that special world and tire of it. Never.
January 12, 2012 at 2:46 pm. Permalink.
Jan Keeling replied:
The illustration and trailer are charming and adorable. I couldn’t help it, I just subscribed to Babybug for my two-year-old granddaughter. She will LOVE getting her own magazine in the mail every month. I hope there will be Susan Eaddy illustrations in some of the issues!
January 26, 2012 at 6:30 pm. Permalink.
Lauren replied:
Wow, what great work. You are truly a wonderful artist, Susan! Watching you create the mouse was awesome. I love how you used ice to keep the clay cool. My kids enjoyed watching you work too!
January 26, 2012 at 6:31 pm. Permalink.
Wanda replied:
What a fun video and great blog. I could feel the sweltering humidity and heat as she created this magical piece…such devotion. I love Susan’s lively art! And that was funny about her cat who is “expert on all things rodent”. Thanks for sharing this!
January 26, 2012 at 7:08 pm. Permalink.
Betty Farber replied:
Susan Eaddy is a creative and original artist. She is beloved, not only by me, but by my two-year-old great grandson. Her books are his favorites.
January 26, 2012 at 7:16 pm. Permalink.
john dog replied:
that video is brimming with love, talent and charm, just like the artist herself.
January 26, 2012 at 9:49 pm. Permalink.
Allison replied:
My son and I just watched quiet mouse. He loved it and wants to watch it over and over! What an amazing thoughtful process to achieve a fun, unique and colorful illustration. Wish we could see more of these!
January 27, 2012 at 2:15 pm. Permalink.
Suzy Smith replied:
I can’t wait to share this video with my children who love to work with clay. How inspirational!
January 27, 2012 at 3:27 pm. Permalink.
Betty Rhea replied:
What a talent! So clever; so creative. Such a fun video to watch – and to watch again. Thanks for including Susan in Babybug.
January 27, 2012 at 3:37 pm. Permalink.
Tina Seago replied:
What a privilege to have a bird’s eye view into Susan Eaddy’s creative process. Fascinating!
January 27, 2012 at 3:59 pm. Permalink.
Jessica Young replied:
Wow, Susan! I loved seeing this from start to finish! It’s amazing how you manipulate that clay. I love the sweet expressions on the faces, the way the library columns are bowed outwards (like it’s bursting with great books!), and the way the piece changes when lit. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I’ll show my students!
January 28, 2012 at 12:56 pm. Permalink.
babybugmag replied:
We’re so happy you all enjoyed the video! If you’re ready for more, please visit the Click magazine website to watch Susan Eaddy illustrate “Who Lives in the Tide Pool?” for the January 2012 issue.
February 10, 2012 at 9:18 pm. Permalink.