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Bravest Dugong’; Emma Martin’s ‘The Healthy Harvest Activity Book’;
Cherelle Flemming’s ‘Buy Me a Monkey’; and finally Pat Clarke’s latest
book ‘Further Adventures of a One-Eyed Chook – The Return of the
Fox’. Pat’s book is the sequel to the adventures of Sheila, the one-eyed
chook, who has proven very popular since her debut in 2013. We have
the book launch at the Art & Craft Studios on Friday the 11th of De-
cember at 6.30pm. It should be great fun! Pat has insisted that I hang
my other artworks, so there will be a mini-exhibition as well. Following
the launch, ‘Further Adventures of a One-Eyed Chook – Return of the
Fox’ will be exclusively available from Coogle Cottage.
Other than illustrations, I have completed a number of commissioned
portraits in graphite, another facet of my work a truly enjoy. And
then there is my ‘secret project’. Yes, Chris, it involves dragons! And
other beasties – I’m working on an exhibition of fantasy works – it’s a
long process, but it is coming to fruition, with many of the works now
sketched out and ready to be drawn up and painted. I am keen to
begin! Apart from that, there is a Surrealistic painting I have planned
and a children’s book I have written involving an adventurous young
elephant. I hope I live long enough!
Is there a work that you are most proud of?
Haha! I remember once upon a time answering a similar question to
this with the reply ‘the one I haven’t created yet’. To be honest, I am
happiest with the work which I have spent time with and truly put my-
self into. If I can look at it and not flinch - not think ‘Why did I do that?’
or ‘Why didn’t I do this?’ – then it is a good thing. Some of my work
featured in a book ’50 Masters of Realistic Imagery’ edited by Ulrich
Himmelblau and published by Art Domain WhoIs. Two of these, ‘Egret
on Tap’ and ‘Jasmine Dandelion Puff’ I am really happy with. The graph-
ite and charcoal drawing of Jasmine is special, too, as the model is my
eldest niece. I am also pleased with the images I created of Howie, for
Pat Clarke’s ‘Howie the Yowie’.
What is the story behind the artworks pictured?
‘Howie the Yowie’ is an invention of Pat’s for a tale of a yowie who
goes in search of his family. I started the first sketches of Howie for Pat
when I read the first drafts of the book back in 2013. By 2014 we were
steaming along, chatting over the phone, meeting in Pat’s hometown,
Dubbo, and discussing how the story would work, where we needed
pictures and whether or not to go with monochrome or full colour.
Howie sprang to life for me when I read the passage about his friend,
a kid named Hannah, giving him a wash to tidy him up a bit. I laughed,
picturing this huge, hairy creature in a small old-fashioned bath-tub,
with a look of consternation on his face. And then there came the prize
moment when Dad and Mum came home and Howie is wearing Dad’s
best hat and tie! Howie scarpers! I saw this picture instantaneously as
I read the words and sketched it in the border of the page. Hilarious!
Pat’s ideas are beaut’! Howie was great fun to draw and I sincerely hope
that he has another adventure sometime really soon! (Are you reading
this Pat?) Of course, there’s Howie’s other little mate, Bilby Bill. Bill has
to row Howie out of the Jenolan caves in a boat. What a feat for a little
bloke! I loved drawing that picture! It features on the cover of the book.
What advice can you offer budding artists?
The same age-old advice any experienced artist will hand on: draw,
draw and draw some more. And when you think you are done, pick up
the pencil and start again. There’s a lot to be said for an initial urge to
draw, but there is more to be made of actually applying yourself to the
task, daily, hourly, minute by minute. Draw until you find your line.
Outside of creating art and work, what do you enjoy doing?
I love spending time with Donna. She’s my best mate. We hang out,
have the best conversations, go places, enjoy our life’s journey togeth-
er. Reading books. Watching a good movie. Going to a café. Visiting a
gallery. Sitting quietly under a shady tree listening to the birds and the
tolling of the chimes. Playing Bach and Chopin on my piano. Listening
to music. Cooking Indian recipes. Collecting comics. I love my life. It is a
splendid thing.
iNarrabri Magazine | 23
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