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Audrey NiffeneggerAmerican writer, artist and academic
Date of Birth: 13.06.1963
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Audrey Niffenegger
- Early Works
- The Time Traveler's Wife
- Her Fearful Symmetry
- Career and Contributions
Biography of Audrey Niffenegger
Early Life and EducationAudrey Niffenegger was born on June 13, 1963, in South Haven, Michigan, United States. Her family later moved to Evanston, Illinois, where she spent most of her life in Chicago and its surroundings. In 1978, Niffenegger showcased her artistic talents for the first time, selling her comics, drawings, lithographs, and other works at the Printworks art gallery in Chicago. She studied drawing under William Wimmer and received formal training at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1991.
Early Works
Niffenegger's early works were created by hand. Her graphic novel, titled "The Three Incestuous Sisters," tells the story of three unusual sisters living in a coastal house. This work has been compared to the macabre illustrations of Edward Gorey. "The Three Incestuous Sisters" and another graphic novel, "The Adventuress," were later published. In 2004, she released the visual novella "The Night Bookmobile."
The Time Traveler's Wife
Niffenegger conceived the idea for her novel "The Time Traveler's Wife" in 1997, realizing that a stationary image would not capture the depth of her concept. She turned to writing and completed the novel, which was published in 2003 by the independent publisher MacAdam/Cage. The book became a bestselling sensation and served as the basis for the film adaptation directed by Robert Schwentke. Starring Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana, the movie exceeded expectations at the box office, grossing 2.5 times its budget.
Her Fearful Symmetry
In March 2009, Niffenegger sold her second novel, "Her Fearful Symmetry," for five million dollars. The publishing rights were acquired by Simon & Schuster's division, Charles Scribner's Sons, after a fierce auction. The book was released on October 1, 2009, and once again showcased Niffenegger's unique storytelling abilities.
Career and Contributions
Niffenegger is a member of the Center for Book and Paper Arts at Columbia College, where she teaches courses on the relationship between text and image. She also lectures at various institutions of higher education, including the Penland School of Crafts. Niffenegger is a board member of The Ragdale Foundation, a non-profit organization located in Howard Van Doren Shaw's estate in Lake Forest, IL. The foundation provides residencies for creative individuals, offering a space for artistic exploration and growth.
