Finding Alaska - The Life and Art of Shannon Cartwright by Shannon Cartwright
Contributed to Make A Scene Magazine by Teresa Ascone
November 15, 2009
Finding Alaska – The Life and Art of Shannon Cartwright, is a welcome addition to the world of books about Alaska. Author/Artist Shannon, 30-year Alaskan living “off the grid” near Talkeetna and renowned creator of beloved favorites such as The Alaska ABC Book, Kiana’s Iditarod, and Thunderfeet, is a much admired figure for her cherished contributions to children’s literature. A review of chapter headings like Grandma, Escape to the west, Faces on the mountains and A Governor comes calling present the wide scope of the book and hint at the variety of experiences it offers.
The book shows a rare glimpse, in Shannon’s own words, into the world of illustrating and writing children’s books; she details where her inspiration comes from, how she arrives at each illustration after extensive research and many rough drafts. Artists take note: you’ll find how-to tips, the actual “nuts-and-bolts” methods of obtaining some of the stunning visual effects that make her books so appealing. Shannon, who hails from Michigan, also reveals, in fascinating snippets sprinkled throughout the book, vignettes of a personal journey that led her to Alaska. Previously unpublished photos enhance the personal history element of the book.
As with most artists, Shannon’s life is reflected in her artwork. In one of my favorites, Sitka Rose, a book in the Paul Bunyan genre, Shannon lets her imagination run wild.  She captures drama, emotion and mythic legend as the heroine Sitka Rose, wearing Shannon’s trusty knee-high L.L Bean boots, gallops across the mountains on the back on a snorting moose. Rose warms her socks over a campfire just as Shannon does, and cooks her fish in a cast iron frying pan on the hot rocks that ring the fire.
The artist/author traveled north as a young woman and was immediately captured by the beauty of Alaska: its mystique, animals and untamed landscape. We are privileged to discover details of her life through art, photographs and autobiography, and by way of her revelations, begin to appreciate the depth of her respect and affection for this unique country.
Shannon Cartwright was captured by Alaska; her admirers, old and young, have been captured in turn by her unique and delightful portrayal of it.