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Sannel Larson: The Total Picture

3/29/2015

35 Comments

 

Here's Sannel...

Picture
It is my honor to inspire you all with my talented friend, Sannel Larson, who agreed to share even more about herself as I posed the following questions of her ...

Maria: Sannel, you wear many hats and you wear them well!

You are a writer. You are an illustrator. You are an artist. You are a photographer.

We got to see some of your fabulous work in my Fine Arts America interview with you, Mike Friedman and Linda Bilyeu.  
 
Since that time, my portrait of Alvin the Debonair has arrived - proudly joining Andy and Aunt Baby in our home.

Alvin was my very first dog.  He saw me through some hard times in my life, an ever - faithful and gentle soul.

Sannel, through your intuitive eyes and gifted hands, you captured this from a photograph I mailed to you - resulting in this lifetime treasure.  
 
Would you not all agree that Mr. Alvin is truly a Debonair Dawg...?!
Picture
PictureSannel Larson of Sannel's World of Poetry
Maria: Thank you for showing us, Sannel.

It was also wonderful getting to know you in a recent interview that I hope others will also take the time to check out.  However, you know me... I still had even more questions I wanted to ask! And I wanted to thank you, Sannel, for taking time out of your busy schedule to tell us even more... :

Sannel: Maria, my heartfelt thanks to you for giving me this opportunity to talk about myself, and for your beautiful praise regarding my work.
             
Oh, and I absolutely agree that Mr. Alvin is looking quite debonair in his blue bandanna. He sure is a handsome dawg. ☺

It's been such delight and sweet blessing to me to bring back your sweet darlings, Andy, Aunt Baby and Alvin through these portraits, knowing how much they will be loved and treasured in your home.

I would like to take the liberty to mention, if anyone would like a portrait of their loving pet, just send me a message and a photograph either to my email, facebook chat or by snail mail. If interested, I can also illustrate a personal Christmas card, birthday card, thank you card, or anything else of interest. The work will be featured in my gallery on Fine Art America, and may be purchased from there.

Picture
This is the link to my artist website: sannel-larson.artistwebsites.com.


Maria: In Bea's Busy Day I thought moms and grandmoms could read to their little girls causing curiosity, wonder and excitement - along with much fun and adventure.  Can you give us the back story on this charming book? 

Sannel: I was visiting a good friend one day, while she happened to have her granddaughter there, an adorable, curly haired toddler.

Well, anyone who has spent a day, or even just a few hours, in the company of a toddler, knows how very busy they can be. A toddler's curiosity and eager mind to learn, along with fun and play, will definitely keep their parents, and whoever is next to them, on their toes.

I was exhausted when I left my friend's home that day, ha-ha! However, I also left with a new story in mind.


Maria: Angels can be silly and playful too! is a story that tells children of all ages that different is not wrong.  I love your line, "Angels come in many sizes and colors, just like snowflakes, no two are alike."

What motivated you to weave this valuable message in your words and illustrations?

Sannel: I have a similar message in my book,“You're perfect just the way you are.” I, once again, wanted children to know, they are special and unique in their own way, just as the angels watching over them.

At the same time, there is a message of reassurance that God and His guardian angels will always be looking out and protecting them.


Maria: You Are Perfect Just the Way You Are is a story of the life lesson of self-acceptance, which can never start too early.  Was there a motivation or an inspiration that prompted you to, in turn, be so inspiring in your writing, dear Sannel? 

Sannel: My hope is that this book will become some child's foundation for a strong and positive self-image. As a child, I was extremely shy and lacked self-confidence. Because of that, I struggled and had to work hard all through my life to build up my self-image. However, still today, I get moments when I become that shy, ordinary and ugly little girl again, who nobody will ever be proud of. So I wrote a story, I wish, someone had read to me when I was a young child. I know that would have made a huge difference in my life.

Instilling self-esteem and self-confidence in children is absolutely essential, more so than any other thing we do, and the sooner each child learns it, the better they'll be. Children need to know that we are all unique and amazing in our own way, and we should be very happy and proud of who we are. So what better way to let a child know how special they are, by reading this book to them before they go to sleep at night.

If this book manages to let a child understand how unique and amazing they are in their own way, then I'm beyond happy.

By the way, Maria, I hope you don't mind, but I would like to grab this opportunity to brag a little bit. You Are Perfect Just the Way You Are, Melvin. . . bad, bad kitten and Angels Can Be Silly and Playful Too have all received a five-star review, and been nominated by Readers' Favorite award-winning books. Yay! ☺  


Maria: Tim and his out-of-this-world adventure is a book that make a little boy's eyes light up with excitement - I know this from first hand experience, although I'm quite sure the same would be true for little girls or really anyone with a taste of curiosity and adventure.  I say this quite respectfully but you really engage your audience -  how can you get into a kid's head the way you do...?! 

Sannel: Maria, I'm not sure, but I do have a colorful, silly imagination and I'm sure that helps. I'm actually still very much a kid at heart. When I write and illustrate my imaginative stories, I have so much fun, and I believe it shows in my work. I think it shines through especially in, ” Tim and his out-of-this-world adventure.” I guess, I first and foremost, write and illustrate for the child in myself.

Maria: An Angel and a Pair of Shoes is a delightful collaboration and union of talents and love between you and author/illustrator, Sunnie Day of Graceful Intentions. I understand that 50% of the book's proceeds go to Be An Angel ( a non-profit organization that improves the quality of life of children with multiple disabilities or profound deafness). Tell us the process of how this fabulous effort came about...? 

Sannel: Author, Sunnie Day, approached me one day, asking if I would be interested to do the illustrations to one of her children's stories called, An Angel and a Pair of Shoes. Of course, I was delighted and honored that she chose me to do the illustrations. Sunnie Day mentioned right away, she wished that half of the proceeds would go to a charity of some kind. So we both started to do some research and came across Be An Angel organization that we both agreed upon.

To work with Sunnie Day was so much fun. She explained to me how she had pictured the two little girls in the story. So, when I sent her my first sketch, I was pleased to hear she loved how I had captured them.

Sunnie Day is not only a talented and wonderful writer, but also one of the sweetest people you could possible meet. She's charming, witty and absolutely beautiful, inside and out. I hope one day, I'll have the blessing to work with her again.


Maria: Scent of a Haiga is one of my most cherished books, a blending of your gentle, yet powerful, haiga poetry with a sensory and sentimental look into your photographic lense.

How did you happen upon joining these two transforming and creative processes...?

Sannel: I'm a practitioner of mindfulness meditation, and I'm still learning.

Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way, and in the present moment. So, while I'm out on my daily nature walks, I found the ancient Japanese poetry form, haiku to be a wonderful help to have me paying attention on purpose.

When you write haiku, you must think in visual terms, be aware of thoughts, feelings and actions, here and now, yet not reveal too much. I believe over the past years, I've probably jotted down a good 100 plus haiku's. Perhaps one day, I'll get around publishing them.

Since I enjoy photography, as well, I tend to take my camera along on my walks. Many of my photographs lay the groundwork for my haiku/haigas. Some of them can be found in my book Scent of a Haiga. Others can be found on my poetry blog.


Maria: What has been keeping you busy these days?

Sannel: I have been quite busy in the past few months with different illustrating projects. I've done the illustrations to Deborah Peters latest, adorable children's book, “How Henry Frog Became King.”I also designed and illustrated a logo to be featured on all her books.

I've recently finished the cover and interior illustrations to author Leah Woods, “Ramona, the Reindeer.” It's a spiritual, sweet children's story of faith, hope and love. Even though it's a Christmas story, I believe the book will be published in just a few months.              

I've also illustrated the front and back cover to full-time writer, James Mckenna's upcoming book, “The Witch's Shadow.” It's a young adult action/fantasy book. The second in a series where the young heroine, Rosie and her friends adventures deep into the uncharted universe of Mind Space.

To be able to do the illustrations, James sent me a few chapters of the manuscript, and it grabbed my attention and enthusiasm right from the start. The story is full of suspense and action, and the characters are super cool. I'm eagerly awaiting for the book to be published in a few months, so I can read the rest of this adventurous, and very well written fantasy story.

If anyone is interested to have me doing the illustrations and/or cover work to their next book, just pop me a message, and I'll send them my rate sheet.


Maria: Is there anyone who inspires you that you would like to introduce to us?

Sannel: There are quite a few who are a ceaseless inspiration to me, including you, dear Maria, as well as others who have been featured here on your blog. However, I'd like to highlight an utterly awesome and incredible talented writer and photographer, who has always been a loyal supporter of my work from my years on HubPages. I'm talking about Rick Stephen, aka Poetic Fool.

It seems like whatever work Rick takes on he does it with flair and elegance. His poetry and photography always impress. I respect Rick on the highest of levels, as we both share many similar passions. He is writer and photographer worthy to follow with diligence.

Rick has encouraged and inspired me to improve myself, to pursue my writing, illustrating and photography without a fail throughout the years. He's always helpful, humble, kindhearted and a true gentleman. I do so appreciate him for the person he is in this life, and he has become one of my dearest and closest friends in this world.

You can find Rick's stunning photography in his gallery on Fine Art America:
richard-stephen.artistwebsites.com

You can find Rick's poetry on HubPages: poeticfool.hubpages.com

You can find Rick's poetry book on amazon: The Ramblings of a Poetic Fool

Thank you, Maria for having me here. It's been delightful!

Please enjoy a sampling of Sannel Larson's amazing work!
May the rest of you enjoy and share the work of this lovely lady for all to see.

Until next time, I wish you peace and inspiration, mar
35 Comments
Shauna
3/28/2015 06:26:45 am

Maria and Sannel, what an awesome interview! I've heard many great things about Sannel but don't know her personally. I'll have to do something about that. Thanx for the links and showcasing her beautiful artwork. She's a very talented lady, indeed!

Reply
Sannel link
3/28/2015 10:56:29 pm

Shauna, thank you so much! I appreciate the kind and most generous compliment. :)

Reply
Maria link
3/29/2015 12:50:31 am

Sha and Sannel,

Sha, Just as easily as I clicked with Iris, I feel surely you would with the lovely Sannel.

The talent and 'cool' in this community is awesome. Love ya both!

Maria link
3/29/2015 01:21:39 am

Dear Sha and Sannel,

I am sure the two of you would click - a wonderful combination of 'talent and cool' - both of you. Love and hugs, Maria

Maria link
3/29/2015 01:23:07 am

Dear Sha and Sannel,

I'm sure the two of you would click - a wonderful combination of 'talent and cool'- both of you! Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Mike
3/28/2015 07:04:41 am

Sannel is so very talented. Her poetry is heartfelt. Her illustrations are eye pleasing, and her photography captures peace, serenity and solitude. For two or three years running her books were stuffed into Christmas stockings of my nephews and nieces. She sets the bar very high for the rest of us with her artistic creativity. Better writer, no better illustrator, hmm, photographer, ah, you guys decide. I can’t decide.

Reply
Sannel link
3/28/2015 11:10:17 pm

Oh gosh. . . Thank you, Mike! :) Your wonderful, kind and most generous comments always touch my heart. I'm so grateful for your beautiful support all these years. I'm truly blessed to have such sweet and supportive friends like you and Maria in my life.Thank you for brightening my day.
Hugs!
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
3/29/2015 01:26:59 am

Dear Mike and Sannel,

You're right - it's hard to decide what Sannel shows more talent with... and how delightful that we get to enjoy her writing, illustrations and photography - lucky us!

Two of my favorite people in the same comment - thank you both!

Reply
Sunshine
3/28/2015 10:57:45 am

One word says it all...Awesome! Sannel ceases to amaze me with her many talents! :)

Reply
Sannel link
3/28/2015 11:14:20 pm

Aww. . .Linda, your sweet and kind comment lights up my world! Thank you so much!
Hugs!

Sannel

Reply
Maria link
3/29/2015 12:52:23 am

So wonderful to see you both, Sunshine and Sannel! :))

Maria link
3/29/2015 01:28:18 am

Sunshine and Sannel,

Thanks to you both for the smiles! Have a great day...Love, Maria

Reply
Vicki
3/28/2015 11:23:30 am

Dear Maria and Sannel,

How nice to see you both on the same page, both literally and figuratively! I notice that the word "talented" seems to pop up in everyone's comments, but I'll add this to mine.
You are both among my list of very favorite people, and it's always lovely to discover more about you both.
I don't have any small people in my life at the moment, but I wouldn't think of buying anything else but your books when and if that should happen!
Silly me! I thought that beautiful black dawg was Andy at first glance, especially with the blue bandanna, but no, it is Alvin, whom I never met. How lovely to have that artwork done especially for you!
Great post, Maria. Love you both.

Reply
Sannel link
3/28/2015 11:22:19 pm

Vicki, you're too kind. Thank you for your beautiful and most generous words! What a delightful way to start this cloudy and cold Sunday morning!
My love and hugs to you,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
3/29/2015 01:33:43 am

Dear Vicki and Sannel,

It's an easy mistake to initially make as both of my boys were/ are handsome dawgs in their own 'dark' way... in a line-up, there were distinct differences.

It is kinda funny that we have steered towards "A" names with "Alvin"- "Aunt Baby" and "Andy"... now we are going in a different direction for our next little girl (mums the word for now...)

Lovely to see the you 'chatting' as well. Hugs to you both, Maria

Maria link
3/29/2015 01:36:52 am

Dear Vicki and Sannel,

I can see where you may have initially confused my two handsome boys, especially as their names both start(ed) with an "A"...you would have loved gentle Alvin as much as our rascal Andy, dear Vicki.

Nice to see you both here. Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Martie link
3/28/2015 12:12:58 pm

Dearest Mar and Sannel

What an impressive interview! Sannel's achievements are truly amazing. Like you, Mar, Sannel is a role model, demonstrating the success one can achieve in the world of art if they practice the golden rule of 'work comes before play'.

One day, oh, one day, I am going to be on the same level as you....

And one day, when the Post Office in this country of mine is back on the right track again, I am going to order all the books that were published by my friends. In the meanwhile I cherish what I already have. Sannel's Melvin ... bad, bad kitten..., Bea's Busy Day, and Scent of a Haiga have a special place in my personal library.

I am also the proud owner of two beautiful, exclusive cards: Aunt Baby and Mr. Alvin the Debonair - to be framed and put where I can see them every day.

I take my hat off for the two of you :)

Reply
Maria link
3/29/2015 01:19:19 am

Dear Martie,

You have many gifts and talents in your own right and your comments are as gracious as you.

I can't wait until I can promote your novel here and we'll all see you are already on your own very lovely level... :)

I am eager for you to possess an "Andy" card as well...and you will when that package arrives - I just have to keep believing 'any day'!

Reply
Sannel link
3/28/2015 10:46:33 pm

Dear Maria,
I was absolutely delighted and honored when you asked to interview me. Your wonderful support and never-ending encouragement means the world to me. I loved all your great questions and you did an amazing job putting it all together in such a beautiful way. Thank you for this recognition, my friend.
You're extremely sweet!
I love you dearly,
hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
3/29/2015 01:09:18 am

Dear Sannel,

You're a pleasure! It's an honor and privilege to get to know you better and share your talents far and wide. Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Peg link
3/29/2015 02:05:21 am

Thanks for the insight into such a talented, artistic and gifted person, Sannel. Her beautiful work speaks volumes about her heart and creativity. Love the portrait of Alvin and all the other work she does.

Reply
Sannel link
3/29/2015 06:12:21 am

Peg, that is so sweet! Thank you for your kind and very generous comment!
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
3/30/2015 02:19:00 pm

Dear Peg and Sannel,

Thanks for your sweet and intuitive words - so happy you loved Alvin's portrait as I hoped you would.

Wishing you both a peaceful evening. Love and hugs, mar

Reply
Sannel link
3/29/2015 04:02:18 am

Martie, thank you from my heart for all your beautiful words and compliments! It is the support and friendship from beautiful and hard-working role models like yourself, who keeps me motivated to do what I do. Martie and Maria, you're both Superb writers and Fabulous ladies and I'm blessed to have such beautiful and inspirational friends in my life.
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
3/30/2015 02:21:52 pm

Dear Sannel,

Thanks for your patience and stopping back to leave Martie such a lovely response to her comment. Hugs to you both, mar

Reply
Billh
3/29/2015 04:47:13 am

Thank you, Maria. I miss Sannel.....it was a huge disappointment when HP sent her packing...so many people I respect are no longer at HP...a community that was once strong is now sadly hollow. I miss this young lady. I'm glad you took the time to highlight this talented writer.

love,
bill

Reply
Sannel link
3/29/2015 06:26:15 am

Bill, thank you so much for the lovely words. I remember fondly some of the writers, I met at HP, and you especially, is one of them. Please know, I miss you too. I hope all is well with you and Bev. Always wonderful hearing from you.
My love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
3/30/2015 02:24:25 pm

Dear Bill and Sannel,

Your comment makes me sad as I miss the times we all had on HP - yet it makes me grateful that we manage to stay in touch because of having met there.

Good to see you both and love you too, Maria

Maria link
3/30/2015 02:34:10 pm

Dear Bill and Sannel,

I'm so happy we can still keep in touch, even though we are not on HP as much as we all used to be.

Always wonderful when you stop by and thanks for your words of support to Sannel. Love you both, Maria

Reply
kimmie
3/30/2015 04:05:46 am

Dear Maria
Oh how I love this wonderful post about Sannel. She truly encompasses the world of a natural talent. She is not only gifted but certainly a beautiful human being. I just love her so much!!
Thank you for sharing our beautiful friend with the world.
Hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Maria link
3/30/2015 02:31:23 pm

Dear Kimmie,

Thanks for stopping by - I know you two make a fantastic team and your comments will mean the world to Sannel, as they do to me.

Have a lovely week. Sending big hugs, Maria

Reply
Sannel link
3/31/2015 12:22:39 am

Kimmie, sweet, beautiful friend, your wonderful words touch my heart. Maria is right, your comment lights up my world! :) You're extremely sweet,and I love you dearly.
Hugs,
Sannel

Reply
femmeflashpoint link
3/30/2015 05:56:43 am

Sannel and Prof. Mar,

Mar, this is a wonderful feature of both Sannel personally and her work!

I love it when talents are realized, expanded, discovered and shared. This is an excellent example of the where and the how of that sort of thing coming together in one place.

Your work is beautiful Sannel as are the reasons behind it that motivate and inspire you. I especially love the intricate detail and vivid colors you incorporate into your graphics and I can easily imagine little eyes being totally dazzled with it while they read the story themselves or study the picture while listening to someone read it for, or with them.

Well done, ladies!

femme

Reply
Maria link
3/30/2015 02:28:21 pm

Dear femme,

Your feedback to Sannel is detailed and meaningful. I know the youngsters I have given her work to have been positively entranced - so I'd say you are "spot on", as usual, in your review.

Thanks for all your assist with pulling this beautiful interview together so seamlessly. Love and hugs, mar

Reply
Sannel link
3/31/2015 12:35:35 am

Dear femme, thank you from my heart for your absolutely wonderful words and compliments. You're so sweet and kind! Means a lot to me.
My love and hugs to you,
and wishing you a happy day! :)
Sannel

Reply



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    marcoujor

    Something awaits us all.

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    mar


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