A few months ago across Australia the country’s leading children’s book artists and authors gathered in ABC television studios. After the last artist made their way through the security barriers the secret was revealed … a word … one word that the artists would use for inspiration. While the words revealed in each state differed, the results were the same ….
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Seated around ten trestle tables the artists quickly took on the gleeful expressions usually seen on the children who read their books.
In front of them was a bounty of the latest paints, artists pens, handmade pastels, papers, tape, glue, you name it, all free for them to play with. It was like giving Jenny Craig clients all day free access to the Sizzlers Bar.
Some of the artists who came out to play were Shan Tan, Alison Lester, Jason Chatfield, Ann James, Kerry Argent, Bruce Whatley, Gregory Rogers, and Coral Tulloch. WA artists included James Foley, Frane Lessac, Sarah Polanski to name a few ….
In Western Australia the 16 excited artists played all day with the word …Nightly. While some stuck to the tools they knew well, others took the opportunity to explore new mediums, new techniques and just play.
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The national event was a partnership between The Australian Society of Authors, Micador and the ABC. The aim is to raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation with all works donated by the artists to be auctioned off for the ILF on Tuesday 25th September.
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So if you’re interested in getting an original and perhaps ‘experimental’ piece from one of these amazing artists, either make your way to NSW or enlist someone to bid on your behalf (see website link below for details).
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Who knows you might pick up something that ends up being developed for their next book.
If you’re interested in more information, or want to see what they came up with go to the website.
2 Comments
What an awesome event. Great piece.
Yeah it was a fantastic day and such a priviledge to watch them all creating amazing pieces from a blank sheet. So much talent in one room!!!! Here’s hoping they raise a heap.