Handmade books connect with kids
When Maroah Lowry started at MSU, she wanted to be a teacher. Over time, though, she realized it wasn’t what she was meant to do.
Starting down her path as an art major studying drawing and print making, she still wanted to make a connection with kids. She found her first calling when she had to start her required project to graduate. Lowry began hand-making children’s books inspired by different culture’s. Overall, she chose seven to represent a different culture from each continent.
“The stories our parents tell us shape our formative years, teaching us right from wrong, introducing us to concepts such as guilt, empathy and courage, as well as forging bonds between the storyteller and the listener,” said Lowry.
Each of the seven stories she chose are moral stories. Each has a lesson to teach. She hopes that a bond can be felt through her art and her stories, even as the original tellers are far from the readers by miles and generations.
Each book is made using products and styles that represent the culture. For example, the book pictured was of a German story. Lowry used leather from Germany and a printing style that is reminiscent of the printing history in Germany.
Lowry has been making art since she was a child, but has been studying at MSU for her art degree the last four years. Originally from Livermore, Calif., she moved to Berthold in 2006. Along with her degree focusing on drawing and print making, she is getting a minor in painting.
Her handmade books will be on display for everyone to see at the Northwest Art Center’s Gordon B. Olson Library Gallery Nov. 7-28. A reception where those interested can meet Lowry will take place Nov. 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.