Original art is available for purchase and is marked with an asterisk (*). Please inquire through the contact page.
Harcourt, 1995
An American Bookseller Pick of the Lists
Kirkus Reviews
October 1, 1995
Florczak displays his virtuosity in the oil illustrations; the closest analogy to his technique would be found in the Pre-Raphaelites. The grandeur of the compositions -- the goddess in majestic poses, with her drapery flying about her, the play of light on water and in the sky, the scenes of innocence and beauty in this newly formed world -- contributes to an impressive piece of work.
School Library Journal
October 1, 1995
This lesser-known Native American legend . . . is attractive in itself, but it has been given truly compelling illustrations. At first, they appear to be magically enhanced, slightly surreal photographs. Florczak paints with layers of translucent oil glazes, painstakingly creating a lucidity of detail and superrealistic surface textures of skin, rock, water, cloth, cloud, and, above all, light. Dramatic shadow, pellucid atmosphere, and irridescent color suggest Caravaggio crossed with Maxfield Parrish. The natural scenery is stunning. California poppies and Chumash basketry are juxtaposed with intricate, Baroque folds of Hutashís swirling shawl. Dynamic pictures and an unusual story set this volume apart from the familiar run of Native American tales.
Booklist
December 1, 1995
Dramatic in composition and hyperrealistic in detail, the distinctive artwork sometimes looks as perfect as a photograph, sometimes as fantastic as a dream, and sometimes, as idealized, otherworldly, and emotionally cool as a Maxfield Parrish painting.
Publishers Weekly
December 23, 1995
Wood and debut illustrator Florczak offer a transcendent adaptation of a Native American tale, their work a shining example of economy and elegance of text, originality of interpretation and dazzling illustrative technique . . . Working in layers, transparent oil glazes, Florczak produces a masterly piece of magical realism, infusing his sharply detailed paintings with light and colors of dreamlike brilliance. The figures, reminiscent of classical imagery in form and pose, seem to spring forth from the pages with an almost stereoscopic depth. Collaborative storytelling at its best. (starred review)
Copley News Service
December 27, 1995
It would be a crime to ignore a book as gorgeous as "The Rainbow Bridge". . . Wood's tale is easy to read, while Florczakís paintings are realistically spellbinding.