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Authors and Artists

The Art of Symeon Shimin

H Johal

Published

5 years ago

on

Popularity Views : 1,720
Can you recall it to memory? The most iconic movie poster in history–Gone With the Wind!
It was created by a man who was also equally one-of-a-kind. Whose life could rival the drama in that storied film. And who stood for those less-favored by an America of the mid-20th century — poor children, people of color and the beaten — in his fine art.
And now a beautifully-illustrated coffee table book, The Art of Symeon Shimin, returns this man’s life to the forefront, as many of the issues that roiled his images The Art of Symeon Shimin are now still making headlines. Symeon, as his daughter Tonia Shimin, reminds us today was an influential figure in multiple spheres, and today may even be best known as a children’s book illustrator who teamed with such figures as Isaac Bashevis Singer and Madeleine L’Engle to tell timeless stories, along with creating his own books for the young.
But it is the acclaimed mural in the Department of Justice Building, which he labored for four years to create, commissioned as a part of the depression-era Public Works of Art Project (PWAP), that is his most enduring legacy. “Contemporary Justice and the Child” is a bold statement that cries for justice for children exploited in factory labor and depicts educated roles for the African-American.
Symeon’s works grew out of his own experience with oppression and poverty. Escaping the violent pogroms in Russia in 1912, Symeon arrived in New York as a 10-year-old with his family, but found a hard-scrabble life on the streets of Brooklyn, helping to support the family by delivering groceries 13 hours a day. With a passion for music he sought to become a musician, only to be denied by his father. Instead the youngster turned to drawing “with fidelity to reality.”
From those humble beginnings, he rose to become one of the highest paid artists of his time, mostly sustained by Hollywood’s fealty to his gift of creating emotive posters. Gone With the Wind was only one of hundreds including, Quo Vadis and Solomon and Sheba, that marked his Hollywood years. And in fact, one of the most fascinating stories about Symeon was that he walked away from Howard Hughes, who sought to control his every movement while under the studio chief’s employ. In the book, are a portrait of F. Scott Fitzgerald and a cover he designed for Vanity Fair at the age of 27
But Symeon’s work was also informed by the years in the 1930s when he traveled to Mexico during the time of the Mexican Mural Renaissance, and that influence is clear in his seminal mural for the DOJ. Furthermore, in that mural, is today seen the only African-Americans depicted in any of the PWAP murals within that building. Symeon, despite shunning and criticism, created some of the first fine arts images of that era of Black Americans. Another of his paintings “The Pack” arose from a brutal beating he took at the hands of a street gang, showing humans morphing into jackals and hyenas.
Symeon spoke his rage and demand for justice through his paint brush. But much of his work was a showcase embodying the beauty of humanity and to celebrate it. His work, lauded by Time Magazine, The Washington Post, Art News and Art Journal has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, National Gallery in Washington, Art Institute in Chicago, the Whitney Museum of Art in New York City and the Chrysler Museum of Art. To see some of these images, visit www.symeonshimin.com
While much of his art career may have faded into history, his children’s books have continued to populate the shelves of youngsters worldwide. Whether his own or with some of the leading children’s and Jewish authors of the 20th century, he was revered in his later years by the children’s book world.
 
And with the publication The Art of Symeon Shimin and cries for justice ringing out in our land again, this seminal artist demands revisiting. His daughter Tonia can ably tell his story and speak of her memories as she watched her father soar in Hollywood and yet struggle with the plight of those who were disenfranchised and oppressed by injustice.
“Throughout his life, his deep involvement and stand for justice and the beauty of the human condition were paramount to the way he lived and painted.” says his daughter, who edited and curated the book.
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Authors and Artists

Adorable Pooches – Dogs & Puppies Coloring Book (24 Cute Pages!)

Ruby Dosanjh

Published

6 days ago

on

May 5, 2026

By

Adorable Pooches – Dogs & Puppies Coloring Book (24 Cute Pages!)
Popularity Views : 73

Bring joy, creativity, and endless smiles to your little one’s day with the Adorable Pooches: Dogs and Puppies Coloring Book — a delightful 24‑page digital coloring book filled with cute, playful, and heart‑melting dog illustrations. Perfect for kids who love puppies, coloring, and imaginative fun.

This instant‑download PDF is designed for easy coloring, big bold outlines, and super‑cute dog characters that keep children engaged for hours.

 

👉 Download here 🐾

What’s Inside

  • 24 pages of adorable dogs and puppies
  • Kid‑friendly designs for ages 3–10
  • Easy‑to‑print PDF digital download
  • Perfect for home, school, travel, and creative playtime
  • Great gift for young dog lovers

    Perfect For

    • Kids who love dogs
    • Parents looking for screen‑free activities
    • Teachers, homeschoolers, and craft time
    • Birthday party favors
    • Creative relaxation for little artists
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Authors and Artists

Newly Published Author Philip La Croix Balances Creativity and Resilience to Overcome Writer’s Block and Craft Captivating Stories

H Johal

Published

3 years ago

on

May 31, 2023

By

Newly Published Author Philip La Croix Balances Creativity and Resilience to Overcome Writer’s Block and Craft Captivating Stories
Popularity Views : 2,916

Author Philip La Croix, known for his gripping debut novel “The Best Laid Traps,” shares insights into his writing process, character development, and future aspirations. La Croix’s remarkable ability to overcome writer’s block and his unique experiences have contributed to the creation of captivating narratives that resonate with readers worldwide.

The Best Laid TrapsWhen it comes to finding ideas and developing characters, La Croix’s creative process is driven by random thoughts that pop into his head. Whether it be for a new story or a revelation in an existing one, these musings spark his imagination. La Croix describes the experience as being hypnotized, where he loses track of time, and the events unfold vividly in his mind. He believes that writing is more about observing and documenting these events rather than creating them from scratch. As the story progresses, characters take on a life of their own, and La Croix transitions from being the driver to a passenger on the speeding bullet train of storytelling.

Writer’s block can be a formidable challenge for any author, but La Croix tackles it head-on. He emphasizes the importance of pushing past the block instead of succumbing to the temptation of taking time off. Even if it means employing a temporary fix or going back to fix an area later, he believes it is crucial to keep the story moving forward. La Croix advises fellow writers to avoid waiting for a deus ex machina and to persevere in order to maintain the momentum and bring their stories to fruition.

La Croix’s writing journey is not confined to a specific type of character or book. Although he begins with a particular vision for his characters, he allows them to evolve organically. Sometimes, characters surprise him and deviate from his initial plans, ultimately playing pivotal roles in the narrative. As for the genre of his future works, La Croix demonstrates versatility and a willingness to explore various genres, ranging from action-adventure and dark fantasy to sci-fi and dramas. He even delved into writing a full-length fan-fiction novel based on characters from “The Hunger Games” universe, hoping to garner recognition or permission from Suzanne Collins herself.

Currently, La Croix is immersed in the creation of his latest novel, which reimagines L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” universe. Set years after the original story’s conclusion, the novel takes a darker turn, with Glinda trapping Dorothy in stasis while she battles a mysterious gloom that engulfs the land of Oz. Dorothy eventually breaks free and embarks on a journey to restore balance. With elements reminiscent of “Shutter Island,” this tale promises numerous unexpected twists and a mind-blowing conclusion.

Philip La Croix’s ability to overcome writer’s block, adapt to evolving characters, and explore diverse genres highlights his resilience and commitment to storytelling. As readers eagerly await his upcoming works, La Croix continues to captivate audiences with his imaginative narratives and the unbridled passion that drives his writing.

 

Stay Tuned for an interview Session with Author here on Studio Carry On Harry

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