What’s this
illustration for?
A book I
illustrated written by Ogden Nash.
Do you have to
wait for a flash of inspiration-how do you
start?
I always start
feeling terribly excited by the possibilities of a new project. The first
scribbles are always the best as they are full of energy and enthusiasm and I am
working in “flow” of the moment… I get the essence of it all down and then I
prefer to leave it to settle and come back and see it afresh. That’s when the
hard work starts, fine tuning the scribbles, developing the main characters,
setting the scene and keeping the initial energy
going.
How did you
get your start as an illustrator?
By chance. I had just
returned from 9 years in Italy, had young children,
wondering what to do work wise, when a musician friend, seeing some of my
drawings suggested I send some work to the ABC as they were looking for someone
to illustrate their songbook. The minute I started to work on the initial
pictures, I realised this was the work I loved and have been illustrating ever
since. Also written a series of 6 books which was a great challenge.
Who or what
has influenced your work?
I grew up
watching my father draw his political cartoons for “The Bulletin” at the dining
table (his studio) All he had was a drawing board, a bottle of indian ink, some
paint, a rubber and a few brushes and
was a freelancer back in the 50’s, managing to support a family. Watching
him at work, I thought that drawing was such a ‘magical process’ and still
do.
My most
favourite of favourites is Quentin Blake. I am always astounded and inspired by
the brevity, energy and humour of his line. Inspiring others include Tony Ross,
Lisbeth Zwerger, Charlotte Voake, Matisse, and Raoul
Dufy.
What’s your
favourite media for creating pictures?
I work fast
once I am happy with my roughs, so pen and watercolour inks are usually my
preference. I am currently working on illustrations in gouache for a picture
book I have written, and also learning Photoshop and
Painter.
Do you
experience Illustrator’s block-if so, what do you do about
it?
Wonder what
other profession I can take up… medicine, law, a donut van franchise, then I
make coffee, do some gardening, plan an exotic holiday on the internet, read the
paper –ANYTHING- but look at the white
sheet of paper on my desk.
When all
avenues are exhausted I return to my desk and start
work!
What’s the
worst thing about being a freelancer?
Perhaps the
isolation which you feel when you are not busy.
And the
best?
The freedom of
working for your self in a wonderful creative area, plus no traffic jams or
office parties to contend with.
What are you
working on at the moment?
I am working
on a series of books with Margaret Clark and writing and illustrating a personal
project.
Where can we
see more of your work?
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