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 like to alternate mainly between Hong Kong & Cardiff/London, but readily visit family & friends in Australia – and now in Boston – whenever time and finances allow!
I’m a children’s book illustrator, & sometimes author of both non fiction and fiction books.
I also create illustration artwork for for both adults and children – mainly in the form of digital original compilations.
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 also enjoyed solo exhibitions in Beijing, at the Li Hall at St John's Cathedral in Central Hong Kong., as also within my own open sunny Southside studio.
My studies for an MA in Children's Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art have also widened my artistic vision hugely: I’m still learning. I’m a member of SCBWI.
I am inspired by the different cultures in the regions which I’ve journeyed and lived – in Asia particularly; by old traditions (both spiritual and societal) alongside their evolutionary and contemporary relevances. This interest is rooted in a degree in theology obtained before turning to art, which evolved into deeper research into the psychology and anthropology of religion. A period as a lawyer also evolved into an interest in human rights, societal beliefs, and ‘the rights of nature’.
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 all important need for conservation.
The importance of 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 also 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 touch!