Marius Valdes, also known as Zoo Valdes, is known for creating a menagerie of lovable animals and whimsical creatures that pop off the page. Valdes, who teaches graphic design and illustration at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, will share his colorful characters in the main gallery at Aiken Center for the Arts while students are in camps this summer. These works, which are based on a children’s book the artist is working on, will give students insights into the process of creating art.
“Burd Brain,” the children’s book he is writing and illustrating through a grant from the University of South Carolina, includes words and illustrations that tell the story of Burd, a bird who is introverted. Themes of social anxiety and introversion will be explored through the book and the accompanying exhibition of related artwork.
“This collection of mixed media paintings represents my creative process of ‘writing with pictures’,” Valdes says. He continues, “I am a trained artist, not a writer, so I often begin my narratives by drawing ideas and then crafting the written text to the images. Drawing helps me to be more creative and get my ideas out quickly.”
The original art for the children’s book will be produced entirely using digital production on an iPad, “as a challenge to myself to learn a new skill and creative process,” explains Valdes.
The project, which is funded by a Creative and Performing Arts Grant from the Provost’s Office at the University of South Carolina, will pay for him to distribute the book around the state, and he hopes to be back in Aiken next summer with copies of the finished work.
Valdes’ work will be on display at Aiken Center for the Arts from June 24 – July 31. His work is very family friendly and offers a wonderful outing for families this summer.
