Learning in the Lock Down

Early this year I enrolled in an online course by Bonnie Christine called' ‘Immersion’. It focused heavily on all things ‘Surface Design’ related and It has been a God send to keep my mind busy during this current Covid-19 lock down. I just completed the last lesson of the 8 week course and I’m happy to say I LOVED it! Surface Design has always been an avenue of illustration that I dreamed of one day getting into and now after taking this course I’m smitten with the idea of creating collections which can tell stories and create whole environments for people to interact with. There was so much to learn in this course - I know I’ll probably need the rest of the year to process it all, to practice the art of making patterns and develop my understanding of licensing - but it all sounds very exciting. Bonnie is a great teacher and mentor so If would like to look at the courses/memberships she runs check out her site here.

Below are some examples of a mini collection I made during the course. We were encouraged to start with a story from which to launch our ideas from. Mine was based on walking down the back of our farm - which is still pretty drought ridden on a hot afternoon and observing the sights and sounds.

Dancing Swallows

Weeds Under Foot

Withered Seeds

Moth Waltz

Cricket Staccato

Dancing Swallows - Haze

Go Home Stay Home - Life with Covid-19

Here’s a little media experiment for a story I’ve been developing for the past year about a little boy who has to stay home.
It’s kind of crazy that in the space of a week this is now a reality for many families world wide. My story despite this sad beginning turns into an unbelievably, adventuress tale with lots of laughter along the way. Stories are great like that - they can transport you from one place to another and draw your attention to things you hadn’t considered.

For all of you who are at home right now there are so many wonderful authors, illustrators and musicians who are sharing their gifts to brighten the days indoors.
Here are just a few of my favourites - follow them with me if you like!

@macbarnett - laugh a minute storytelling picture books and chapter books.
@oliverjeffers - story reading and picture telling - maybe drawing too?
@carsonellis - drawing promps and storytelling.

Media experiment for a story I have been developing last year.