about:
I’m a storyteller. I'm a Brit, an Aussie, and work in my studio within an old colonial bungalow overlooking the sea in Hong Kong. I alternate mainly between Hong Kong & UK, but readily visit family & friends in Australia & US whenever time and finances allow.
I’m a children’s book illustrator, & sometimes author of both non fiction and fiction books. I’m ready for a wonderful publisher or literary agent now for a variety of author/illustrator stories, or as an illustrator for a suitable text, so if you are one, please be right in touch!
I create illustration artwork for for both adults and children – some in the form of digital original compilations of photographed components. (Please see within ‘Traditional Storytelling – for everyone’)
I’ve sold many tactile pieces of fine art, mainly printmaking and collage which are now in private collections around the globe. I’ve exhibited within many group exhibitions in Hong Kong, especially at the Visual Arts Centre, TheBookshop at Museum of Art; as well as at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair; & in UK In Cambridge, Suffolk & London. I’ve enjoyed solo exhibitions in Beijing, at the Li Hall at St John's Cathedral in Central Hong Kong., as within my own open sunny Southside studio.
Education/inspiration:
My studies for an MA in Children's Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art widened my artistic vision hugely: I’m always learning! I’m a member of SCBWI.
I find the role of animals in all forms of storytelling especially enthralling: prescientific folktales, cultural mythologies, evolutionary religious and nature beliefs, as well as within the true stories of prehistoric & extinct animals pitted against issues relating to the present day endangered – and the notion of present day nature beliefs within the issues surrounding the importance of conservation.
I’m inspired by the different cultures in the regions which I’ve journeyed and lived – in Asia, UK, & Europe particularly; by old traditions (both spiritual and societal) alongside their evolutionary and contemporary relevances, or irrelevances. This interest is rooted in a degree in theology obtained before turning to art, which evolved into interests concerning the psychology and anthropology of religion, including the concept of ‘God of the gaps”. A period as a lawyer also evolved into interests in human rights, and societal beliefs, and the rights of nature.
My interest in cultural and biodiversity was the inspiration behind 3 of picture books that were published/reprinted by MCCM Creations, and Blacksmith Books — before heading to Cambridge for my MA: all fictional, & written & illustrated specifically for the children of Hong Kong, 2 of which were endorsed by WWF (Hong Kong), whose work I continue to support. I’ve been invited into most of the many international schools here — many vibrant discussions with children from all over the globe.
I love conducting workshops for children: often in which they discuss environmental themes or traditional myths, and sometimes they then create their own wonderfully illustrated stories. I’ve also enjoyed talking about the importance of picture books more generally: book fairs, school courses.
Happy to be in contact!