Imogen: The Mother of Modernism and Three Boys

Gr 2–4—Visual artist Imogen Cunningham is noted as one of the finest photographers of the early 20th century. Born to a family that valued hard work and education, she learned from her father as he taught her to read and how to draw. As a teenager, she first declared that she wanted to be a photographer; when she married, her photography focused on her surroundings and her family life also became the source of her art. Three young boys, a garden, and little money encouraged her to develop her skills in new ways. "You can't expect things to be smooth and easy and beautiful. You just have to work, find your way out, and do anything you can yourself." She created a garden for her boys, and while they played and found wonder in nature, she used her camera. Images in the book replicate her photographs through paint and drawings, taking readers through passing time and documenting her discovery of nature's beauty around her. An author's note and one of Cunningham's photographs give a glimpse of her family; readers are also encouraged to discover more about the artist through a website, books, and film. A view of an evolving art form, this offering reminds youngsters that talent is important, but that success often requires perseverance and devotion.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX