The MidWeek / MidWeeknews.com • Wednesday, Mar 23, 2022 MIDWEEK
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ON THE RECORD ... with JoAnn Kofoed Who would you like to see go on the record? Let us know at readit@midweeknews.com Recent Northern Illinois University graduate JoAnn Kofoed said the biggest setbacks she’s had in life were a catalyst to help her pursue her true passion: art. The Mendota resident was born with a rare genetic disability called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and a hip injury in high school left her bedbound requiring multiple surgeries. Having always loved creating art, Kofoed, 23, realized after being bedbound that art was her passion, and that she wanted to make it her career. In 2021, Kofoed earned a bachelor’s degree in illustration from NIU and illustrated her first book, “What Your Clothes Would Say.” The book, written by Doug Fischer, can be purchased on Amazon. MidWeek reporter Katrina Milton interviewed Kofoed about the book, its illustrations and her artwork. Milton: What is the book about? Kofoed: The story is a delightful tale from the perspective of the clothes a child is wearing. It explores the idea of what the clothes may be thinking throughout the day.
wrote. We talked about what kind of things he wanted for the book, and he gave me lots of creative control to accomplish what we discussed. It was wonderful working with him. I’d share sketches and ideas, and he would let me know what he liked. It was fun to watch the development of the project as it progressed and evolved.
JoAnn Kofoed illustrated her first book, “What Your Clothes Would Say.” The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
Milton: What medium are the illustrations? Kofoed: The images are digital paintings I created in Photoshop. Many people aren’t aware of this, but Photoshop isn’t just for photo editing. It caters to artists who paint digitally, too. You start with a blank white canvas, and use digital brushes to paint the images. I usually create art digitally, but I also love painting with acrylics.
Milton: How did you get involved in the project? Kofoed: I was connected through one of my illustration professors at NIU. … It was a big step to take on a project this big, but I loved the challenge.
Milton: What was the experience of illustrating a book like? Kofoed: The process was very time consuming, but very rewarding. It took a lot of planning to get all the details sorted out. It started with Doug [Fischer] sending me a copy of what he
Photos provided
Milton: Why are you an artist, and why is creating art important to you? Kofoed: I’ve always loved creating, but it wasn’t until I took an art class in high school that I realized I had a passion for drawing. My sophomore year of high school, I had something horrible happen. I had a hip injury that left me bed-bound, unable to sit up or move without spasms of pain. At the time, it was the most devastating thing that ever happened to me. Funny thing about that, I’m thankful nowadays
See ON THE RECORD, page 5
The Arts at NIU
MUSIC
THEATRE
ART
March 23 NIU Composers’ Recital, 7 p.m. March 24 Daniel Pesca, Guest Pianist Recital, 7 p.m. March 26 International Guitar Concert Series featuring Meng Su, 7 p.m. March 27 NIU Percussion Ensemble, 3 p.m. April 1 NIU Opera Theatre, “The Happy Prince” and a Stephen Sondheim Tribute, 7 p.m. April 3 NIU Opera Theatre, “The Happy Prince” and a Stephen Sondheim Tribute, 3 p.m. April 10 NIU Steelband, Steelband Studio, All University Steelband and CSA Steelband, 3 p.m. April 11 Japanese Taiko Concert, 7 p.m. April 13 Chinese Music Ensemble, 6:30 p.m.
The Conference of the Birds by Sholeh Wolpe, adapted from Attar’s epic poem April 1-3 and 7-9 Black Box Theatre
Biennial NIU School of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition NIU Art Museum, Altgeld Hall Extended through May 14 niu.edu/artmuseum
niu.edu/music
niu.edu/theatre
The Language Archive by Julia Cho April 22-24 and 28-30 Sally Stevens Players Theatre
A look at what’s coming up! For a full schedule of events and ticket information:
go.niu.edu/arts SM-CL1956250
Milton: Do you have plans on illustrating more books? Kofoed: I don’t have any more books currently lined up, but I’m always open to new creative experiences.
niu.edu/art
Annual Juried Blick Arts Materials Ars Nova Exhibition Featuring work by current School of Art and Design students Jack Olson Gallery, Jack Arends Hall March 25-April 13
