Stumbling Into the Caldecott. Brian Lies on learning to be creative.

Picture this: rabbit-skin glue simmering in a Massachusetts studio, its Renaissance-era scent mingling with gold leaf and hot solder, as Brian Lies builds a 14th-century Italian portrait ground for a single spread in Cat Nap. What begins as a kitten's cozy nap on a couch spirals into a dream-chase leaping across centuries—Egyptian reliefs in plaster, illuminated manuscripts on goatskin parchment, vivid stained-glass panels—all handcrafted by Lies in their historic techniques. In an age of instant generation, he chooses the slow burn: to touch, taste, and feel every layer.

To touch, to taste, to feel. This is how art shapes us, he says.

Brian Lies recalls the moment that he decided he would be an artist- it was a school visit from a children’s book author and illustrator in 5th grade who had illustrated some of his most favorite books.

This renowned artist, who looked like someone's grandpa, spoke about art as if everyone could do it- he made it feel accessible.

he made it feel accessible

And remember thinking, “I really want to be an illustrator!”

It's no surprise then, that Lies found solace in art as a psychology student at Brown University and decided that Art School was where he belonged.

The whirlwind of failure, time and grit needed didn't affect his commitment to illustration.

When meeting young students Brian's dismantles the myth of creativity and talent.

Inspiration comes when you are actively participating in the act of creating. If you don't show up to work every day, you can't expect results.

His goal? To help readers discover strength in weakness, hope amid loss, and deep humanity in vulnerability—though lately, he's content simply to lighten the weight of our human condition with a generous dose of cat humor in Cat Nap.

Full interview at Khiton issue one

Brian Lies' picture of Saint Anthony for his new book Cat Nap.