Link to interview with Be a and Harvey of EastWind Books. Last Spring I got the chance to speak and table at an event in Berkeley California supporting a new model curriculum about Ethnic Studies; one of my favorite things to talk about. And while I was there I got a chance to speak to Bea and Harvey. They were both so kind and actually carried one of my books! I regret not going to EastWind more when the physical location was open, but as you’ll hear in this episode they are still publishing and selling books. Their advocacy and work is so freaking important so please check out their work here.
Really enjoyed this episode of “Asian American History 101” which I found through an awesome interview w/ my good friend and fellow kid lit creator Nidhi Chanani. This seems like a really cool podcast to follow and listen to for historic and current perspectives on AAPI in the US! Love the fact that is a father daughter duo too:)
Dig this? Check out this Inspiration Board I made featuring books, art, film, and more.
I don’t remember how I came across Greg Ruth’s amazing illustration but after I found him I started seeing his work a lot. Greg is an incredible illustrator with multiple styles. Dry brush, pencil, and pen & ink. Mostly traditional media mostly. Check him out.
Greg does a bunch of private commissions but he also works in comics, does book covers, artwork for films, and album covers, etc. See more of his work HERE.
Here’s an interview he did with Criterion.
What’s this? This is where I share inspiring artists that have been inspiring to me in my work sometimes directly and other times indirectly. I share them here on my blog in the hopes that somebody will also find some inspiration in their work. Check out some of the other artists I’ve shared.
I’m still not out of a funk of creativity and a dirth of inspiration but we keep going right? Here are some things I can share with you that caught my eye, ear, or heart. Some I’m sure you already know. Some I’d be happy to introduce you to.
Starting from top to bottom, left to right:
Devon Blow (Art)– Dev has been pumping out some critical and necessary art about genocide, war, social justice issues, and finding joy. Follow her here.
Self (Film) – This is an incredible stop motion/ cg animated short film by Searit Huluf about self love
Alexandra Gater (Interior design)– This is an interior decorator w/ a niche of helping those in small apartments make better use of their space with style.
Calida Rawles (Art)– Found Calida through Amy Sherald. Shes an incredible photorealistic painter who depicts Black folks relationships to water
BUSD (Community)- I attended several Berkeley School Board meetings re: Palestine, teachers who’ve been fired, trans and queer student rights, and ethnic studies
Story Sun Birds (Kid Lit/ activism)- This is a group of folks who work in kid lit who stood for a ceasfire in Palestine and who now are carving a path for an alternative kid lit space
Fights (Graphic Novel)– This is a great book by Joel Christian Gill who is a cartoonist and professor based in Virginia
Farah Audhali (Music) – Farah is a talented singer songwriter from the uk and i love this collab with Blue Lab Beats!
Butterly in the Sky (Film) – This is a great doc about the history of Reading Rainbow featuring interviews from the entire team behind it.
Belly (Music) – 96 Miles from Bethelhem is a dope EP by MC/Singer Belly in response to the genocide in Palestine
Vittoria Macioci(Art) – Love the illustrations of this Italian illustrator and comics artist
Microcosm (Podcast) – Been knowing about Microcosm for years but just started listening to their podcast about indy publishing and it is great!
James Shields (Art)-James’ watermelon couch is an incredible work of sociology, US history, narrative, and immersive art.
Ruha Benjamin (Speech)– I know of Ruha’s name but this speech she gave at an HBCU grad ceremony caught fire because it is so true!
Mackelmore (Music)– Man, was not expecting this bombshell of a song from Macklemore titled Hinds Hall, but I was so happy to hear his stance!
ABC’s of Lowriding (Book) – This kids book by Ricardo Cortez is a testament to lowriding culture and helps introduce it to a new generation
Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here it is, plus a few more
What’s this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life’s trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I’ve been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments. Who am I? My name is Rob Liu-Trujillo and I’m an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube. You can also cop my first art book here.
Found Farah through Blue Lab Beats who produced this cut. Their music and her vocals are heavenly. She also did a cut called “On the Run” which is equally awesome. Bump this.
Dig this? Check out this post about stuff I’ve been listening to : More SOUL
This is a really inspiring documentary about “READING RAINBOW” featuring the creators of the incredible show that touched so many of us as youngins. PLEASE watch it, rent it, go see it in theaters, share it. It’s all about spreading the love of reading and learning. #readingrainbow#Documentary#ButterflyInTheSky
Somehow I forgot to post this video here last year. I think after Palestine and moving my brain went alesewhere but here is a video of some of my favorite art books. Check it out! Note: I define art books as mostly pictoral books exploring various generes of art such as photography, fashion design, illustration, animation, filmmaking, cooking, dance, public art, and more. its not everyone’s cup of tea as far as “art books” go, but its my absolute jam. A mix of styles, interests, and disciplies. Enjoy.
So a week agao I saw Danielle Davis, Sarah Proudman, Hatem Aly, Omar Abed, and M.O. Yuksei draft a powerful letter calling out the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCWBI) for their silence on thousands of Palestinian children being killed by the Israeli and US govt. You can read and sign that letter here: LINK
And this was the Scwbi response. You can read the entire response here.
My thoughts: They are a pro Israeli institution but don’t want to say it plainly. They voice support for other countries but ignore Palestine. I feel like they have been problematic for a long time too. I have a hunch and feeling that the only reason they have included more opportunities and grants for Black folks or people of color is because the people demanded it from the industry. If you’re a former member like me or a current member, let me know what you think right now. What’s your take? Doesnt matter if you agree or disagree with me. I know the talk I see from fellow authors isn’t one of praise. This stance though is wack. It relates to book bans for me too. Why? There are lies groups like them, mainstream US media, and other forces are trying to protect. The truth? Still putting my finger on what that is.
This is a post I wrote about my visit to their conference back in 2010 or 2011. Some things about them were very positive. But I couldnt shake the feeling that Bipoc were ignored or an afterthought back then and I still feel it today. It feels like the few Bipoc, Queer, Muslim creators who are highlighted are not enough and that they are comfortable with the stats where they are. Could they improve? Maybe, but if I have to explain the meaning of genoicde to you in the context of Palestine right now and you still don’t get it, I think you don’t want to see it. I feel like we should build something in their place for those in the kidlit world who do support a ceasefire and who value Bipoc communites from the beginning, not as an afterthought.
To all kid lit organizations, agencies, publishers, etc . Don’t be a quiet org afraid to learn. Speak up and speak out. Talk to children about the Nakba, about ethnic studies, critical race theory, gender, sexuality, politics, etc at a level they can understand. Stop bitching about making white Jewish, white, heterosexual, or conservative families feel discomfort. We all need to know each others actual lived experiences and histories from as many sides as possible or “never again” will be visited upon so many more. Whether your kids are comfortable or not, there are hella kids who are experiencing racism, genocidal governments, anti trans hate, and so many other things already, now.
To get a broader context of who is in the kid lit industry from publishers, editors, and agents check out this survey byLee & Low Books. Animation needs a survey like this too. Thank goodness for the Geena Davis Institute studying how girls and women are portrayed in film. I know I’m not perfect or the moral authority on anything but I’m glad to see Scbwi called out. I’m glad I’m seeing more kidlit folks speaking out, and I believe we all have more to learn and we all must be brave.
Hey fam, I hope you’re well. Whew with life this past year and moving, war, family health, inspiration has gone down the tube. I mean, I still read, listen, watch, feel, and experience but I have felt exhausted and uninspired to keep it real. I still create because I’ve been doing this for a long ass time, but sometimes it needs to be said that you don’t feel it. Anyway, for the past 6 months or so these are some things that fed or made me feeeeeeel.
Starting from top to bottom, left to right:
The Purpose of Power – book by Alicia Garza. Reallly great read and reminder that the fight is long ahead (Organizing/Activism)
2.Texas Book Festival– 1st time visiting this historic book fest in Austin,TX. Shout out to Lee & Low, Reading Rockets, and the Fest (event)
3. The Spirit of the Palestinian People! – With over 75 years of colonialization they still stand and it is both painful and inspiring to have to witness time and time again. Thank you to the everyday people and the Palestinian organizers! (Resistance)
4. Dr. Marc Lamont Hill– Marc has been doing a lot of work to question society from multiple viewpoints and I’m thankful (Journalism)
5. Bisan Wizard– I’m in awe of this young journalist who has been sharing news in Arabic and English, risking her life to show us what US, European, and Israeli wont; what is happening is genocide (Journalist)
6. Jewish Voice for Peace– BIG shout out to my Jewish fam in the US acting up and showing out to show solidarity and prove that questioning Zionism does NOT equal antisemitism. They have lifted the veil for many Jews, Christians, Muslims, and atheists alike. (activists)
7. Olivia Dean – Love this singer songwriters music. Check her out! (music)
8. LaRussell and Tietta – This duo’s work to put their name, art, and biz savvy has been inspiring to watch. From Vallejo Ca (Business/Art)
9. Maurice Carney – I loved learning about what is happening in the Congo from Maurice of “Friends of the Congo” (Activism)
10. Frizzy– Graphic novel about hair, self acceptance and mentorship (Graphic Novel)
11. Sara Trellez– There’s something life giving and undescribable about this dance routine Sara gives. I could see and recognize the years of work, talent, research, and history she put into this (Dance)
12. Lowkey – This MC from the UK came to me through my boy Pele. I’m so happy I found Lowkey because his skills and wit inspired me. So smart and so relentless! (Hip Hop)
13. Can We Please Give the Police Department to the Grandmothers? – Shout out to Angela Dalton who showed me this book. Contrary to what adults may think, these are exactly the kinds of questions I think kids can and should grapple with. Policing has got to go (Kid Lit)
14. Motaz Azaiza– Brother Motaz is an incredibly talented and brave photographer who once again is showing us in English and Arabic what the regime of Israel is doing to the people of Palestine. Genocide. (Photography)
15. Amanda Seales– I’ve watched Amanda go through being an MC, a singer, a poet, actor, and now social media activist who has challenged and critiqued not only Israel but many other things. And she’s not just talking, listen-you’ll see in addition to living shes also studied! (Social Media)
16. Artie and the Wolk Moon– Great GN about a young Black girl who learns she is part werewolf!! Perfect for older elementary students and middle grade readers (Graphic Novel)
Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here it is, plus a few more
What’s this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life’s trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I’ve been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments. Who am I? My name is Rob Liu-Trujillo and I’m an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube. You can also cop my first art book here.
Flwr Chyld Featuring Sebastian Mikael ( Georgia-US) – Eucalyptus 2023
I discovered this jam through Sebastian Mikael and LOVE Flwr Chyld’s production style!! Incredible feel for good soul!
What is this?This series is called “Stuff I’ve been listening to” and this is my place to share music that I listen to while I work, process, decompress, and live life. Some of it is new, some old. But I’m always listening. I share in the hopes that you will find something that inspires you. Please share with a fellow music lover.
If you haven’t heard Cleo Sol yet, do yourself a favor and listen to this singer songwriter’s work as a solo artist and collaborator w/ folks like Sault, Little Simz, and more.
I first heard Moonchild some 5 or 6 years ago. They are primarily a trio that plays a blend of Jazz and Soul. Very talented group that writes and produces their stuff.
On a weekend bday trip my wife was playing some music on Spotify and this song came on. I had to rewind it of “course and discovered an amazingly talented young vocalist from the UK. “Ladies room” from this LP and “Be my own boyfriend” are also my jam.
I came across Adi aka Adeline playing a bass cover of Patrice Rushen’s “Forgive Me Nots” and was blown away by this bad add bass player and singer songwriter. She’s originally from France but has called the US home for awhile.
Can’t remember how I came across this group, but they are on Big Crown Records who have been consistently been pumping out some of the most gorgeous Soul from a multicultural cast of characters in LA and beyond.
I love this group. They started off as Zulu but changed their name to AstralBlak.
Jennah Bellw/ Claudio Olachea (Oakland, US) – Can You See it? 2023
I first heard Jennah Bell maybe 10 years ago and have loved a little bit of everything she has put out since! She’s a versatile singer, songwriter, and guitarist from my home town! If you dig her too, check out “Hammer”, “Another Louisiana”, or “Candied Daylight”.
We all love Maxwell, but unless you watched the first love scene in the film Love Jones you might have missed this remix of the classic “Sumthin Sumthin” on the soundtrack. Still hits!
DJ Jazzy Jeff & Ayah (Philadelphia US/Toronto CA) – Maybe We Can Just 2011
DJ Jazzy Jeff and singer Ayah did this EP project mixing some old and new for a fly blend of soul back in 2011 or 2010. Hear the whole project here.
STUFF I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO 24: SYNTHS STUFF I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO 23: MORE JAZZ STUFF I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO 21: RAPS STUFF I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO 18: HOUSE STUFF I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO 17: SOUL
Ok thats it fam, if you dug this share it with a friend, comment with some musical suggestions, and if you want to support me you can do so at my shop.
