Marina Makaron
Fashion designer and author Marina Makaron has come out with her debut illustrated chapter book for children, Mashka and Mishka Get Trapped in a Rainbow. Launching November 18, 2020, the illustrated work delves deeper into questions of gender identity and the conflicts that underline issues of gender equality.
The book deals with the hardships of growing up and the pressure of social norms where everyone is told who they are and how one should behave. Underlying the story is the crucial message that kids ought to simply be themselves. A tale of two siblings, Mashka and Mishka live on opposite sides of the reflection of a mirror. Neither of them knows which sibling is real until one night they appear on a magical field surrounded by an array of colors and a singing sun. It is in that field they can finally hug each other without the help of mirrors. But the enchanted land is not only singing willows and flying goldfish, there is a darkness that creeps within the shadows. Every step of this whimsical journey leads the kids closer to home but in the end, will they be able to find themselves?
As a fashion designer and creative artist, Marina Makaron has had her works featured in the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, and publications such as Elle and Vogue.
Instagram: @marina_makaron_official
Are there particular films that have influenced your writing?
Eastern European fairytales played an important role in my work, both fashion and writing. I think it is wonderful to keep the kid inside awake and active even throughout our adult life.
What’s the difference (at least for you!) between being a writer and an author? How do you shift gears between the two?
An author is a writer that has published (and maybe even got paid) for their work. One can write but never publish. And that is a personal choice. I have been writing since I can remember myself and only with the children's book did I decide to shift to being an author. I still work on my poems and novels, but not on the stage of the bigger arena.
Is there a work of art that you love. Why? Have you ever visited it in person?
I am a huge art connoisseur. It is difficult to choose a single work. The first thing that comes to mind is the visualization of trees by Monet. I love his color combination. it relates to me because my vision has always been horrible. The isolated droplets of color forming an image are in a way how I normally perceive the world. Philadelphia Art Museum has a wonderful selection of Monet.
What brings you great joy?
When people that are dear to me are happy. In all honestly. I know it sounds corny but it is that basic.
Do you speak a second language? Do you think differently in that language? Does it influence your writing?
I speak Russian, I can understand and have a basic conversation in Spanish, and am currently taking Italian. I love languages. Knowing languages makes a great influence on writing especially when the group of languages are in the same category. For example, Russian, Spanish, Italian (and French, actually) have a common Latin root. Sometimes it's easier to come up with an interesting synonym in one language by thinking of that word in a different language.
