Narrogin library visit

I went to Narrogin library yesterday for a workshop with year seven students. Narrogin is about 2 hours south-east of Perth. I must thank the librarians, Belynda and Rachel, for inviting me- I had a brilliant time.

I gave a talk about the projects I’m working on and showed some examples of sketches and finished samples. Then the students got to do some drawing. Seeing as my visit was part of the ‘Finding MY Place’ program, where students are encouraged to think positively about their own futures, I asked the year 7s to draw a four panel comic about their dream job.

It was amazing to see the ideas that they came up with- one boy wanted to be a professional BASE jumper, another a sheep farmer, another an army officer; several girls wanted to become vets, another an Olympic horse-rider, another a police officer in the traffic division. With minimal instruction the students produced some really great comics. This proved to me that comics are an incredibly useful art form, one that people understand intuitively and can create instinctively. (at least, I imagine, in a culture where they are familiar with the art form already).

Here’a a quick demonstration comic I did for the class on my graphics tablet. Clearly my subconscious (in the form of a chicken) was telling me to get on with being a creative person. When I mentioned that I would like to be an illlustrator full-time, one girl in the class asked, “why aren’t you doing this full-time?” It was a great question and had me stumped.

Oct 29 2009- demonstration comic for students in Narrogin

Quokka- Melbourne Cup

Quokka, issue 691, October 29 2009- the Melbourne Cup

Sculpture- ancient Greek dude

I haven’t posted anything but Quokka covers for a while now, so thought I would show some other bits and pieces… here’s an ancient-Greek inspired character. I reckon he’ll be in a story some day.

Quokka- Breast Cancer Awareness

The Quokka newspaper has been helping to promote the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The NBCF campaign materials are all coloured pink, hence the many different shades used in this week’s cover.

Quokka, issue 670, October 22 2009- breast cancer awareness

Quokka- Rotto marathon

A marathon is held on Rottnest Island each year- competitors run four laps of the course, taking in the picturesque salt lakes and ocean views while gasping for breath and begging for water. My brother’s girlfriend did the course this year- she is an absolute trooper.

Quokka, issue 689, October 15 2009- Rotto marathon

Quokka- whale watching

Captain Ahab decides to earn a little money while he looks for his white whale.

Quokka, issue 688, October 8 2009- whale watching

Quokka- gardening

Quokka, issue 687, October 1 2009- gardening

Quokka- dog judging (Royal Show)

I always enjoy drawing different dog breeds- each has its own unique quirks and character.

Quokka, issue 686, September 24 2009- dog judging

Quokka- flooring

I knew I’d been a bit slack with uploading these- but I didn’t realise I was three weeks behind! Here’s one from a few weeks ago.

Quokka, issue 685, September 17 2009- flooring

Quokka- scooters

There’s a motorcycle and scooter show on in Perth this weekend, hence the topic of this week’s cover.

If you’ve seen the 1953 film Roman Holiday, starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, this image might be familiar.

I don’t think Audrey makes a good quokka, her features are too delicate and feminine. Greg doesn’t look too bad though.

Quokka, issue 684, Sept 10 2009- scooters