Painting daydreams with watercolors and whispered words

Tabitha Orr is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist and author whose creative journey transitioned from an adventurous career in film costume and production design to the dream filled world of literature and hand-drawn illustration. Drawing on a diverse academic background in Anthropology and History Education, she crafts narratives that bridge the gap between myth and scientific wonder. Each of her vibrant works—rendered in watercolors, ink, and acrylics—reflects a deep-seated commitment to animal conservation and the healing power of storytelling, spanning from her Florida coastal roots to her current life in the high desert of New Mexico.

Her bibliography includes acclaimed titles like the Library of Congress selection 'Wisp' and the original folktale 'Stars Have Dreams,' many of which she translates into Japanese and Spanish to engage a global audience. An active member of the Japanese American Citizens League, Tabitha has performed on stage at their annual Fall Aki Matsuri festival in Albuquerque. Reading children's stories including  traditional Japanese kamishibai stories and remains dedicated to using her art to reach a broader community.

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Tabitha grew up with a father who worked with people of varying abilities and has understood the ways in which the world is not always accessible. Tabitha is striving to make her work as inclusive to children of all abilities as possible. With input from teachers and readers she recently included an ASL interpreter at the Japanese storytelling stage readings. Look for more of these adaptations in the future.

 

As she prepares for new releases through 2027, she continues to split her time between her New Mexico mesa home and family in Florida, creating meaningful stories that explore the human spirit and the natural world.

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