The book illustrator’s work is peculiar. To a certain extent it reminds one of the work of an actor who, in playing various roles, each time manifest in a new form, is suited for the play. The book illustrator also does this, striving to better express the spirit of the literary work, to penetrate the intent of its author, to be true to the era; because of this his individuality merges to a degree with the temper of the work. At the same time, when he is on his own alone with nature, when he is totally unadulterated, an easel painter should always remain himself. This is the root difference in their work, and because I work in such varied fields I am faced with somehow uniting these conflicting origins within myself.