Our world is a very different place these days, not only for those of us who have been around for a while, but for our youngest generation, our littlest ones, born into a brand-new era, a fast age which is constantly accelerating, upgrading and uploading. Taking time for stories can easily be neglected, those special moments of focus and contemplation, listening to the words, looking at the pictures, being absorbed in the story without interruption.
Artist and children’s story illustrator Cheryl Pilgrim has been inspired by the art narrative since she was a child, growing up in Fort Worth she regularly visited the Sid Richards Museum and was enchanted by the works of Frederic Remington, other influences include Norman Rockwell and author and illustrator, E. B. Lewis. Picture books have a universal appeal, where the story is told in the visuals, and can be “read” just by looking, for children it’s a great focusing tool and confidence builder which helps build early reading skills.
An initial career in education eventually led to a career in art, and Pilgrim now creates outstanding illustrations for numerous children’s books. To view her work is to reminisce over a more innocent time, it’s like a hug from the past, holding us securely and safely. An expert in capturing the wide-eyed curiosity of a child, Pilgrims adorable illustrations are gentle and nostalgic. Children and animals adventure in an ambiance of whimsy and fun. These drawings and paintings are beautifully executed in watercolor, acrylic, pencils, charcoal and mixed media, soft and smudgy, comfortable and cuddly, fluffy and delicately tinted, this is the stuff that dreams are made of. Animals feature prominently in her work, with personas of their own, artistic armadillos knit and paint, farm animals dance to the rhythm of the drumming rain, we can chase butterflies and rainbows, sail in canoes at midnight beneath the twinkling stars, and cavort with the forest animals all day long.
Working from a purpose build studio adjacent to her home, the art of illustration is a solitary pursuit in which Pilgrim favors quiet time in this private place to get “in the zone” and lose herself in her work. Initially working on preliminary sketches to send to publishers, then later perfecting them to finished, more detailed works. As well as illustrating for other writers, she is the author and illustrator of “Big and Little”, a book of opposites, published by Holiday House. Inspired by the personalities of her 2 rescue dogs, a brave chihuahua and a fearful black labrador, who embark on an adventure, exploring a world of opposites along the way. It’s a beautiful book with a lovely message and would make the most charming animation!
Pilgrim has a great love for animals and donates her creative skills to a biannual event for pet charity, Friends 4 Life, at these events she paints pet portraits to help raise funds for this worthy cause.
Three times winner of the poster competition for the yearly Texas Arts and Crafts Fair in Kerrville, she depicts Texas animals in humorous creative situations. She can also be found exhibiting her own work at the fair.
Pilgrim's educational background means she recognizes the need for teacher resources, and has created learning experiences to complement her stories, including songs, poems, games and other activities which can be utilized as part of classroom studies. The visuals in her books make learning fun and interesting for the students as well as the educators. Pilgrim enjoys visiting schools with her publications as well as classroom zoom presentations.
More information on Cheryl Pilgrim, her art, her illustrations, her books and educational resources can be found at
https://cherylpilgrim.com/