 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Asked about her inspiration for the book, Kiki describes the birth of her creative inspiration: “One morning, during a social visit (Sobhieh) with Bassima Bazzi (artist photographer), the subject of a book for children came up when she asked me to consider writing and illustrating a book for children. I left her Bliss Street house engrossed in the idea that started to appeal to me. Days passed by and the idea was flourishing in my head. I was constantly thinking about a subject for the story. The idea was still immature and very vague; my desire and inspiration were not exactly clear. I thought that maybe the best way would be to write a story and read it to my son and feel his reaction. But what if he doesn’t like it! Over time my enthusiasm for a children’s book was growing steadily, and one day as I was leaving my friend Henry’s office at AUB, I passed by the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon. A year ago I had watched a TV program about the center so I asked my friend who was by my side if she knew the center. I was surprised to know that she had worked as a volunteer with children there. In an instant, everything became crystal clear and my inspiration suddenly blossomed; “since I had the patience and the time to share with the children, I was going to be a volunteer at the center and then maybe I can also share my book idea with them!” I made a beeline to Henry’s office seeking his assistance in contacting CCCL Staff. I was later introduced to CCCL and introduced the idea of a children’s book and the scope of the children’s involvement in the project through their illustrations. The rest, although very challenging, is history as the saying goes, and let me tell you a story became a reality. Working with a group of people is indeed very satisfying and fulfilling. It is marvelous to know that each one of us has a story to tell irrespective of age or background. Most importantly, I believe that if everyone can be a little bit more sensitive, trying to live in peace and unity, and work together to share beautiful moments by making them memorable, then the world can be a better place.” About the concept creator
KiKi
Bokassa
Born in Paris in April 1975, Kiki is a Lebanese artist of Central African background. She studied interior design and social studies in Beirut, before taking part in several exhibitions in Lebanon, the Arab countries, and the United States. Her work reflects inspirations from her diverse cultures. Kiki introduced her favorite theme “Recycling” to the children of the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon (CCCL) by showing them that with a little bit of imagination, new delicate and alive objects return from waste to their status as commodities. Used materials and paper are her source of inspiration, and since the children at CCCL could not use paint or other toxic medium, they welcomed the concept and managed to produce a wide range of imaginative outcomes in a very creative way. Illustrations provided by the children at Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon was not always based on the texts of the book contributors; rather, it was the fruit of their own creativity and imagination. |
