Maira Kalman: An Artist

The fantastical Ms. Lily told me about an incredible artist a while back, and I can't believe I've waited this long to share her with you!


Maira Kalman was born in 1949 and is an American illustrator, author, artist, and designer. Born in Tel Aviv, Kalman came to New York City with her family at age 4. Ms. Kalman has authored a series of children's books about Max Stravinsky, the poet-dog. She has done several covers for The New Yorker, including an iconic one she did with Rick Meyerowitz called New Yorkistan. She also created the sets for the Mark Morris Dance Group production of Four Saints in Three Acts, an opera by Virgil Thompson and Gertrude Stein. Kalman is also known for her illustrations for the 2005 edition of the popular guide to writing style, The Elements of Style, by William Strunk and E.B. White.

Maira Kalman wrote the monthly illustrated blog The Principles of Uncertainty for The New York Times for one year, ending in April 2007. The blog was published in a book of the same title, which was released in 2007 to critical acclaim. Kalman started a new illustrated blog in the New York Times on January 30, 2009. The first entry chronicled her visit to Washington, D.C. for President Barack Obama's inauguration.


Here is some of her recent artwork she did for an article in the New York Times called Time Wastes Too Fast where Maira takes her first trip to to Thomas Jefferson's house, Monticello, in Virgina. She writes and illustrates her trip so beautifully, you feel like you are right there with her. Enjoy!