Art Is... by Robert Raczka

Art Is... by Robert Raczka

When you think of art, do you think of painting and sculpture? Bob Raczka shows us that even these traditional artistic mediums can be created in untraditional ways. Art can also be draped, chiseled, pasted and drizzled. But unusual approaches to painting and sculpture are only the beginning. We learn that art comes in many forms - a wall or a ceiling, a lamp or a rug, a goblet or a musical instrument. Simple rhyming verse pairs beautifully with reproductions of twenty-seven works of art, ranging from 17,000-year-old cave paintings to some very interesting contemporary creations. Each piece is as unique as the artist themselves, and each is included here to expand our notions of what art is.

Bob lives with his wife, Amy, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. They have three children (Robert, Carl and Emma) and a dog (Rufus). They are all Cub fans.

As a boy Bob loved to draw, especially dinosaurs, cars and airplanes. He also spent a lot of time making paper airplanes and model rockets. One time, he even made a flute out of a stick he found and it actually played music.

Bob studied art in college, which came in quite handy while he was writing his series of art appreciation books, Bob Raczka's Art Adventures. He also studied advertising, a creative field he has worked in for 30 years.

A few years ago, Bob discovered how much he enjoyed poetry. It wasn't long before he started writing his own. He has always loved playing with words.
If Bob could share just one message with today's kids, it would be, Make stuff! Draw imaginary creatures. Build forts. Write comic books. Make up games. Invent a new baseball pitch. Design your own Halloween costume. Try your own recipe.

Dare to be creative.