Award-winning visual arts teacher, Courtney Ries is the author and illustrator of this sweet and beautiful book about bravery and determination. Inspired by her art students and her own young children--Julien and Elliott, the intention was to make an art guide for them with a story of perseverance. Courtney has loved to draw from a very young age and has always held a passion for architecture, pattern, and color. Nonobjective design paired with the love of drawing oblong and unique buildings ignited the decorative elements of this book along with landscapes consisting of islands, hills, and beloved red rock. Courtney initially designed the first version of this book over ten years ago. In the summer of 2021, she decided to redraw the entire 14 page accordion-style book in order to have it on archival material as an art piece for her sons' room. One month after finishing the redraw, she wrote the story of Finn traveling through the book to find home sweet home. The next story is a continuation of Finn's journey and very meaningful as he learns about himself in a different way all while enchanted by new decorative elements of art and design in the whimsical style Courtney provides in her illustrations and stories. This mom-wife-teacher-artist-author-illustrator-architecture enthusiast and southern California native has many inspiring stories to tell reflecting the challenges and accomplishments she has experienced in her own life.
