Meet Lulu Buck | Children’s Book Author
We had the good fortune of connecting with Lulu Buck and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lulu, what inspires you?
I am deeply inspired by children; their curiosity, imagination, and boundless potential fuel my passion for writing. My goal as an author is to create books that not only entertain but also help children grow, inspire them, and guide them to become wonderful humans. Creativity and art are at the heart of everything I do, and after 25 years as an educator, I bring a wealth of experience to understanding what truly connects with kids, motivating and inspiring them to be their best selves.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey as an artist began when I first met my best friend, soul sister, and illustrator, Chrys, at her paint and sip studio. For eight wonderful years, I painted there, immersing myself in the vibrant community she created. When Chrys decided to close her studio and retire, it was a bittersweet moment, but it turned out to be fortunate timing with the pandemic following shortly after. Despite the closure, our friendship and painting partnership remained strong, and I had the privilege of honing my craft alongside her.
During the pandemic, I felt a calling to help out a studio in Loveland that was short of teaching artists for their painting classes. I was nervous and scared about taking this new journey, but I pushed through those fears. It was there that I gained the skills of teaching painting, which later became an integral part of the curriculum for “Sue’s Sky.”
Painting is more than a hobby for me; it’s a way to express my deepest emotions. I paint whenever I have a free moment or need to work through my feelings. My art comes from the heart, and sometimes, I write a poem to accompany each piece. Through my brushstrokes, I capture my pain, excitement, joy, love, and everything I’m feeling at that moment. The full collection of my life’s work tells a story that only I know—a story of passion, resilience, and the beauty of creation.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend would be an artist also. If you are an artist visiting Colorado, prepare to be inspired by Colorado’s breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and vibrant artistic scene. Colorado is a haven for creatives, offering everything from culinary art to stunning landscapes that will ignite your imagination.
We would start our artistic journey with a visit to Meow Wolf in Denver. If you haven’t experienced one of these immersive art spaces yet, you’re in for a treat. The Denver location is a mind-bending adventure, and after visiting, you’ll want to add the other Meow Wolf locations to your bucket list. Santa Fe isn’t far and it was the original Meow Wolf.
Next, we would explore the Denver Art Museum downtown, where there is always an impressive collection that spans genres and time periods, sure to spark new ideas and inspiration.
And if you’re a fan of unique dining experiences, we would grab a ticket to the iconic Casa Bonita. Recently renovated by the creators of South Park, every corner of this legendary restaurant is a work of art, making it a must-visit for any artist.
We would then grab our paint and canvas and head up to Rocky Mountain National Park. The breathtaking landscapes are perfect for capturing the essence of Colorado’s natural beauty. The fresh mountain air will leave you rejuvenated and ready to create. I would make my friend drink lots of water as the altitude in Colorado is no joke!
I absolutely love Colorado as there is not a shortage of inspiration for me as an artist.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The journey to becoming a self-made, self-published author has been an incredible adventure, and I could not have done it alone. My heart overflows with gratitude for my two sons, my parents, and my entire family, whose unwavering support has been my foundation. To my brilliant and talented illustrator, Chrys Zyx, who brings life and beauty to every page. Her creativity inspires children in ways words alone cannot express. My deepest thanks to Olga, Laurie, Diane, and Robyn, whose encouragement has lifted me every step of the way.
A special thank you goes to the Mwebaza Foundation of Longmont, Colorado. Your belief in “Sue’s Sky” and the accompanying curriculum gave me the extraordinary opportunity to make my first international debut and teaching the book to students in Uganda was a dream come true.
To the educators, schools, libraries, daycares, and conference organizers who have welcomed me into your spaces to read, teach, and paint with children through “Sue’s Sky” and “El Cielo de Susana,” I am profoundly grateful. And to the families who have brought my books into their homes, I am honored to be part of your children’s storytime. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me to share in your lives.
Thank you, Thank you to all the kids who have read and painted with me. You inspire me. To the many kids who have asked, “When is your next book coming out?” I finally have an answer for you. This fall be on the lookout! It is even more magical! Thank you for believing me and supporting me.
Website: https://lulubuck.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lulubuckster/
Twitter: https://x.com/c_lu_lu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BucksBooksConsulting
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