Kirsten Taylor's artistic journey started when she picked up her first book at the Cranbrook Public Library.
She visited the library with her mother starting at the age of four, and was drawn to whimsical fantasy books with expressive visuals like "Matilda" by Roald Dahl, "The Berenstain Bears", "The Chronicles of Narnia," and works by author Richard Scarry.
Now, she's pursuing her own dream of becoming a book illustrator. She recently graduated with a master's degree in illustration from Falmouth University in the U.K.
"I like stories. I think that's why I like illustration," she said. "[The characters] they have facial reactions, and they're doing something, and the animal's are inquisitive. Really focusing on emotion and movement."
Taylor created the Library's 100th anniversary mural, an acrylic painting that represents books, community, and nature and the outdoors. The painting features a group of children and animals reading stories around a campfire, under an expansive starry night sky. Included in the menagerie, is Elephant Ed and a few grizzly bears. The book is titled "Qat'muk" — a homage to Jumbo Glacier, which the Ktunaxa consider to be the spiritual birthplace of the grizzly.
The CPL logo on the spine of the book is based on the Library's original emblem used fifty years ago, and the tree log is reminiscent of the Library's wooden sign at its former location. The Library was located in Balment Park from 1971 to 2006, before it moved to its current home on 2 St. North.
The Library opened its doors for the first time on July 4, 1925, inspiring generations of bookworms in their quest for lifelong learning. Staff held a 100th anniversary celebration, with an exhibit dedicated to its history, and complimentary cake and drinks. Taylor's art was on display just outside of the main entryway.
Taylor was approached by Library staff last winter to create a piece of art for the big anniversary. She spent considerable time researching the library's history and experimenting with ideas. She even used the picture books in the Library's collection, as inspiration for her design.
This was not the first time Taylor had made art for the Library. Another of her works called "Storytime In The Woods," is displayed permanently on the wall near the children's area. She also designed the cover art for the book for "Fourteen Trumpeting Elephants," about Elephant Ed's escape from the circus, which happens to be in the Library's collection.
