Janette Hanrahan PIO issue 298 July 2010

1. What's this illustration for?  

This illustration was for a charity exhibition to support The Bone Marrow Institute fundraiser for children & adults with leukaemia & other cancers.

2. Do you have to wait for a flash of inspiration - how do you start?

No, I don't wait for a flash of inspiration, but I am always thinking of new ideas (even in the middle of the night ) & sometimes if I feel emotionally moved by an event, then I will express it in an artwork. In 2003, my linocut print `The Faceless Women of Afghanistan' was a finalist in The Blake Prize & selected to tour nationally.

3. How did you get your start as an illustrator?

I have been an artist for over 30 years, exhibiting in Australia & overseas & have had several solo exhibitions & won awards. However, in 1998, I was asked to do the cover for a Poetry & Prose book & I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge & felt that my work was suited to the book form. Having always loved children's books & their illustrations, I look forward to the opportunity to work in this area.

4. Who or what has influenced your work? 

My work has been influenced by my environment, living on a farm in regional NSW & by several outback camping trips to the Northern Territory. The techniques of Japanese woodcut printmakers, such as Shiko Munakata, continue to inspire me. I have an eclectic taste for all art forms, appreciating creativity, texture & form. I never stop learning !

5. What's your favourite media for creating pictures?

My favourite media for creating pictures is linocut or woodblock printmaking, but I also love watercolour & gouache.

6. Do you experience illustrator's block - if so, what do you do about it?

I only experience illustrator's block if I am not in the right frame of mind or if too tired. If so, I take a break, visit a gallery or bookshop & switch off & try to think laterally.

7. What's the worst thing about being a freelancer?

The worst thing about being a freelancer is having the ideas & enthusiasm & waiting to be discovered.

8. And the best?

The best is the solitude, being able to absorb myself in creative pursuit - pure bliss.

9. What are you working on at the moment?

I am working on several woodcuts for a group exhibition in Japan in 2010.

10. Where can we see more of your work?

www.thestylefile.com www.printcircle.com