Varda Livney is the author and illustrator of PJ Library's selection: Rosh Hashanah with Uncle Max, and What I like About Passover. Varda reminds us that as children - our younger selves - are often much wiser than we think.
What are you working on right now?
I am working on illustrations for a book by an Israeli author which I didn't write, final art for an upcoming PJ book which I DID write, and on a new book which I am TRYING to write.
If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Actually, I think my younger self could give my NOW self a piece of advice. One would be to stop, chill, and smell the roses.
What books, music, or art inspired you when you were young?
Peter Max. As a kid, my art style was kind of groovy 60's-70's cosmic type art with stars, rainbows, rocket ships, and bright colors. I still love that stuff.
About Varda Livney
VVarda Livney was born in Philadelphia. In a gap year from school, she flew to Israel where she applied and was accepted into the Graphic Design and Illustration Department at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem. She graduated with honors and has lived in Israel ever since.
Her illustration and design career has taken her through various channels; textile design for fashion companies, illustration and package design for advertising agencies, children's book illustration and writing, greeting card design, home decor and product design.
Varda's clients have included Simon & Schuster, Recycled Paper Greetings, Tel Aviv University's Educational Publisher (Ramot), and Arielli Advertising to name a few. She is a member of the Israel Illustrators' Association and the U.S. based SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators). Varda can be found at @vardaart on Instagram.
Varda works in watercolor, rapidograph, and digital art. She specializes in whimsical illustration for children and hopes someday to find a way to bring world peace through drawing bunnies. (One never knows)
June 8, 2022