- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 !
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- And the best?
The
best is the solitude, being able to absorb myself in creative pursuit - pure
bliss.
- What are you working on at the moment?
I am
working on several woodcuts for a group exhibition in
Japan in
2010.
- Where can we see more of your work?
