What happens in a beach from dawn to dusk? Does it remain a space for people to stroll down or for fishermen to bring their catch?
An Indian Beach – By Day and Night , a children’s picture book, depicts beach to be much more than a leisure space.
Acclaimed illustrator from France Joëlle Jolivet, on her first visit to Chennai, watched the numerous tiny worlds that unfold before her on the beach. She met Gita Wolf, publisher, Tara Books, and together they conjured up bringing out a never-ending book of illustrations on what happens on an Indian beach by the day and night.
During her book launch event organised by Tara Books along with Alliance Francaise at Alliance Francaise Auditorium in Puducherry, she said: “I came to Chennai three years ago and spent one week in Chennai. Gita Wolf suggested why not make something about the beach. The idea was to make a book on what happens in 24 hours in the beach. It is a never-ending book without text.”
Drama of life
She adds: “I spent a few days on the beach. I drew pictures going there early in the morning and staying till late night and visiting the fishermen village. With the same background, I observed life change like a theatre and many different people going about their business. You can see fishermen, women selling fish in the morning and as sun sets, the beach is a different place with children playing, elders talking, sitting around and eating till everyone goes home.”
Opening the book, she explained that this children’s book can be viewed in many ways. “It is horizontal with lots of illustrations. It is in black and white and children can use it for colouring and playing with it. Children can even open it and sit in the middle,” she said.
Joëlle Jolivet is known for her work inspired by lino-cut art techniques. “I am planning to work with Tara Books again to bring out a fabric book. We are still working on the theme,” she said.
At the Alliance Francaise Auditorium, Ms. Jolivet explained the audience about the lino-cut art techniques and conducted a workshop for them.
