A Sad Goodbye: Patricia Cantor

 

 

I met Pat Cantor at my very first Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Summer Conference in 2009, where she was among many of the wonderful illustration comrades I’ve made. Ever since meeting her I have looked up to her as an illustrator and person, feeling like she’s been something of a trail-blazer for those of us starting out. She won the SCBWI National Portfolio Showcase grand prize award in 2008, and was able to give me advice on the experience before my own prize trip to NYC to meet with publishers.

And as I work right now on the cover for the SCBWI Bulletin fall issue, I remember her own beautiful cover illustration:

She was also the one who encouraged me to submit to our agency, Andrea Brown Literary Agency, because she loved her agent, Jamie Weiss Chilton, so much. An incredibly talented illustrator, her work is soft and dreamy; filled with atmosphere and emotion. This week she passed away of ovarian cancer. It will be very sad not to see new work from her.

My heart is with Pat, her family and friends, her agent Jamie, and the many SCBWI illustrator friends that will miss her so and remember her always.