As far as Tana Ford '02 was concerned, it was just another assignment for an English class she took last fall. But the pen and ink drawings Ford created to illustrate Philip Pullman's book, The Golden Compass, have evoked quite a buzz from her classmates, her professor, and even the author himself.
For a presentation in her children's literature class last fall, Ford created five illustrations based on the book. An art and philosophy major, Ford was inspired to draw the images because of the richness of Pullman's writing, and because "I needed to get the pictures out of my head."
When she presented the drawings in class, both her classmates and Professor Susan Bloom '60, '81GS were amazed. "The students were awestruck by Tana's talent; at first, no one even understood that the drawings were actually hers," said Bloom. Shortly after the presentation, Bloom found out that Pullman was in town for a promotional tour and she decided to take a few students, including Ford and her artwork.
While waiting in line in the hot, stuffy auditorium, Ford wasn't sure how the author would respond to her illustrations. Pullman is considered one of the most preeminent writers of young adult fiction; his work is as popular as the Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings series. But when Ford pushed her sketchbook across the table to him, she could not have imagined a better reaction. Pullman was so surprised and impressed by the illustrations, he asked if Ford was a professional illustrator and even autographed one of the drawings. "This is the most perfect realization of this piece. Thank you very much," he wrote.
The experience has been an eye-opener for Ford, who is considering a career in children's illustration, among other artistic endeavors. Ironically, Ford said the lack of illustration in Pullman's book was what triggered her imagination in the first place. "I'm glad there were no illustrations because it would have dulled his writing," she said.