Sydney Taylor Awards Blog Tour - Illustrator Interview: Natascia Ugliano

I am honored to be a part of the Sydney Taylor Awards Blog Tour.  The Sydney Taylor Book Award recognizes the best in Jewish children's literature.  Today I have the privilege of interviewing illustrator, Natascia Ugliano.  Natascia won the award for Sydney Taylor Honor Book in the Young Readers Catagory, for her illustrations in Sarah Laughs.

Before I interview Natascia, let me tell you a little about her.  Natascia Ugliano was born in Milan in 1969.  After obtaining an Art Degree, she got a Diploma at Fine Arts Accademy of Brera, in Milan, in 1993.  From 1992 to 2000 she worked as scenographer and costume designer assistant for theatre and cinema, specializing in elaboration, dyeing, decoration and ageing of costumes.  Organizing theatre labs for children, she discovered her interest for children's illustrations. In 2000 she attended a watercolour course by Arcadio Lobato.

Her illustrations have been awarded several prizes, such as: "Scarpetta d'Oro" (Vigonovo - Ve), "Premio Stepan Zavrél" (Cassano Ionio - Cs), "Favola d'Amore-H. Hesse" (Torino), "Stories of City" and "Round Red" (Chioggia - Ve), "The Little Mermaid" (Torino), "Sydney Taylor Award Book" (Sidney).

She illustrates childrens book's for Italian and Strangers Publishing.
 
Natascia, thank you so much for doing this interview with me today and congratulations on your award.
 
WFAR:  Please tell us a little about yourself.
 
NU:  Hi, my name's Natascia, I love to draw.  I like the colors, the nature and the animals. They are the inspiration for me in my illustrations.  I love to walk in the mountain woods.  I have two children, Sergio and Greta, I read many fairy tale books to them. My favorite children's book is “ Thumbelina “ by H. C. Andersen.

WFAR:  When did you start illustrating?

NU:  I started illustrating in 2004.

WFAR:  I love the pictures in Sarah Laughs. What did you use?

NU:  Me too!!! I used acrylic colours and oil pastels. WFAR:  Who picked you to illustrate Sarah Laughs?

NU:  The Karben Publishing picked me to illustrate Sarah Laughs: they looked at a web page with my works and then wrote me an e-mail.


WFAR:  What else have you illustrated?

NU:  I illustrated “ The storm treasure “ by A. Adeney – Watts Publishing, “ The little Marmead “ A.C. Andersen retold by A. Adeney – Watts Publishing, “ Abraham's search for God “ by J. Jules – Karben Publshing, “ Die Bibel in 365 Geschichten “ by Martin Polster – Thienemann Verlag - “ Snowithe “ by G. Clima – Coccinella publishing, “ Cinderella “ by G. Clima – Coccinella pulishing, “ Sleeping Beauty “ by L. John – Evans Publishing, “ Sarah Laughs “ by J. Jules – Karben Publishing, “ Piantatela “ - Rcs Rizzoli Publishing, “ Bedtime Rhymes “, “ Singalong Nursery rhymes “, Rhymes to Share “ - Ladybird Publishing, “ The Silver Goblet “ by J. Jules – Karben Publishing, “ The Leaves and the Fishes “ A. Ganeri – Watts Publishing, “ The Frog Emperor “ by A. Adeney – Watts Publishing.


WFAR:  What do you do for fun?

NU:  I like to cycle and to skate with my family.WFAR:  What are some of your favorites? Author, food, color, book, any others…

NU:  My favorite authors are H. C. Andersen (for children's books), Isabelle Allende and Emily Dickinson. My favorite color is green.  My favorite food is pastasciutta, an Italian food.WFAR:  Is there anything else that you would like readers to know?


 
NU:  I hope children read fairy tales and books to continue dreaming, also as adults!!
 
Thank you again Natascia, for the interview.  I wish you all the best in your illustrating!