Painting in the Dark: Esref Armagan, Blind Artist

Foreign publishing rights available. Contact: barnas@tumblehomelearning.com
Published by Tumblehome Learning Click here to buy the book AWARDS 2017 New York Festivals International Radio Show Awards (2) 2017 Wilbur Award 2017 “Reading Without Walls” Diversity book choice, East Brunswick Human Relations Council FORMATS PRINT: Hardcover and paperback through the PUBLISHER or a book store near you. AUDIO: Click HERE for the AUDIO BOOK TRAILER Click HERE to download the AUDIO BOOK or through Audible.com (The audio has additional narration at the end verbally describing paintings in the book) BRAILLE: Available at cost through the publisher (click HERE) Blind schools & organizations may request a FREE copy. Contact the publisher. BOOK-COMPATIBLE WORKSHOPS & ACTIVITIES* Video of ART WORKSHOP FOR BLIND CHILDREN (using Esref's techniques), click HERE *ART ACTIVITIES related to the book (for blind and sighted students--click HERE* Foreign publishing rights available. Contact: barnas@tumblehomelearning.com

ABOUT THE BOOK

PAINTING IN THE DARK: ESREF ARMAGAN, BLIND ARTIST tells the true story of a contemporary Turkish artist who was born completely without sight. Rachelle Burk captures his extraordinary life in this picture book as he learns to “see” not with his eyes, but with his hands. The images of his paintings depicted in the book are actual photos of his original paintings embedded into Claudia Gadotti's illustrations.

World Blind Union Resources Page (lists info about the book)
Interview with World Blind Union (April 2017 newsletter)
Future Reflections Magazine review.

REVIEWS

KIRKUS:

An illuminating portrait of a self-taught Turkish artist who, despite being blind from birth, has become an internationally known painter...Burk traces Esref Armagan's long efforts to develop his skills, to earn recognition and a living, and to fend off skeptics claiming that he must be cheating, somehow...The author's particular focus on the artist's development—his discoveries of shadows and of perspective, for instance—and specific techniques for preparing canvases with modeling clay or glued-down string offer real insight into how obstacles raised by physical disabilities can be overcome with motivation and ingenuity....Informative as well as inspiring. (Picture book/biography. ages 7-10)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
A thoughtful biography that celebrates diversity and perseverance. Recommended to expand and deepen elementary school art collections. ~ Jessica Cline, New York Public Library

MORE REVIEWS :

Mr. Armagan has demonstrated for the first time that a blind person can develop on his or her own pictorial skills the equal of most depiction by the sighted. This has not happened before in the history of picture-making. —John M. Kennedy, Professor, Perception/Cognition Psychology, University of Toronto at Scarborough (and a scientist involved in testing Esref's abilities)

A story of talent, perseverance, and refusal to accept limitations. Esref's triumph will inspire young readers to stretch toward goals they may not have believed were within their reach. This is a thoroughly researched manuscript that introduces young readers to a remarkable artist they will long remember. —Deborah Stein Kent, National Federation of the Blind

May Painting in the Dark break down our misconceptions and encourage us all to find our internal vision, to follow our heart’s desires, and never pre-judge our neighbor’s abilities. —Barbara Oswald, blind artist, photographer, gallery owner, Program Coordinator for the Disability Resource Center at Bellevue College in Seattle.

Fills a niche that is much needed – biographies of people with disabilities which are both educational and enjoyable, and which do not focus on the disability itself. . . . Its educational and scientific details give it depth. —Laura Weber Secretary, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children President, Texas Parents of Blind Children

I have given it a place in my Top 10 of elementary school books...Painting in the Dark deserves a prominent display in school art rooms, during instruction of biology and human senses, in curriculum integrating technology and fine arts, children’s libraries and in school guidance offices. ~ Ann Tavino, school guidance counselor.

"I read the book with Anton, a twelve-year-old blind friend of mine. Anton was thoroughly engaged with the beginning of the story...(He) felt that kids at school might understand him better if they heard Esref's story...I was fascinated with the story from beginning to end. Armagan's tenacity and creativity are awe-inspiring! Anton and I made a date to try out Armagan's glue-and-string painting technique. When we followed the directions (the illustrations added a lot to my understanding of how to recreate some of Armagan's techniques) we enjoyed success and were eager to try out other ideas. This book gave us a great jumping-off point to explore tactile painting.

This book is the story of a real person and the many challenges he faced to make his life what he wanted it to be. It is hard to imagine the fortitude that kept Armagan moving forward, despite many major setbacks. Ms. Burk does not shy away from the barriers of culture, illness, and social limitation Armagan had to overcome in addition to his blindness. Neither does she avoid Armagan's emotional struggles on his journey to success...

This book will be of keen interest to blind children, their parents, and their teachers; to anyone who wonders about techniques for making art tactually accessible; and of course to anyone who loves an inspiring, true-life story." ~Ann Cunningham, National Federation of the Blind), Future Reflections Magazine. Ann Cunningham is a sculptor who works to promote the tactile appreciation of art. She teaches art at the Colorado Center for the Blind. (Cick HERE for the full review)

MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST

Esref Armagan (born 1953) is a contemporary Turkish painter who has been completely blind since birth. He grew up poor and uneducated, and never had an art lesson, yet he paints detailed pictures in bright colors and 3-point perspective without assistance. For decades, Armagan was the subject of curiosity, awe, and skepticism in his native Turkey. Then in 2004, he became the subject of scientific brain studies in the United States. The astonishing results have been published in science journals, magazines, and newspapers around the globe. In 2008 the Discovery Channel aired a documentary which featured Armagan (and three others with extraordinary abilities) called The Real Superhumans. (Click link in right column to view video)

WRITING THIS BOOK: The Author's Journey

I discovered Esref Armagan quite by accident when an article about him popped up in an unrelated google search. It caught my eye, and I was immediately hooked. I knew I had to write a book and share his inspiring story with kids everywhere. How, I wondered, could a man paint things he has never seen? And why would he even want to paint pictures he'd never himself lay eyes on?

After 18 months of research, interviews, and writing, I completed my picture book biography about this remarkable painter. Painting in the Dark: The Story of Esref Armagan, Blind Artist, has been favorably reviewed by members of the Arts and Disabilities organizations, as well as national and international organizations for the blind. (Click here to read reviews). It was released in July 2016 by the award-winning children's educational publisher, Tumblehome Learning. ** Talented ILLUSTRATOR Claudia Gadotti is the artist for the book.

Armagan's fascinating story will be a valuable addition to both science and art curricula, and an inspiration to children with disabilities and those who care for them.
(Click here to read the Litpick interview)