I grew up in Benoni, South Africa, near a bird sanctuary which was home to ostriches, amongst other species. After concentrating in graphic design and illustration at art college, I worked as a designer, layout artist and art director in ad agencies in Jo'burg before finding myself in Washington D.C., where I did the same. Well, almost the same, except in inches instead of millimeters! Now Gulph Mills near Philadelphia PA is home.
My goal as an illustrator is to capture the essence of childhood—uninhibited. Childhood is fleeting, I aim to help make it as inspiring as possible. As a long-time member of The Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), I strongly encourage anyone new to the world of children's book writing and illustration to join this organization. While serving as the Illustrator Coordinator for the Eastern PA region, I was lucky enough to win the SCBWI WOOP (Work of Outstanding Progress) Award in 2015, and was runner-up in the SCBWI Tomie dePaola Illustration Award in 2014 and 2015. There are many artists and illustrators whom I admire, too many to mention. Some children's book illustrators are Raymond Briggs, Brian Froud, Alan Lee, Lisbeth Zwerger, Shaun Tan, Mary GrandPré, David Wiesner, Laurel Long, and Judy Schachner. I find inspiration in my daughter, my cats, the wildlife in my garden, or, just about anywhere. At last, I am thrilled to announce that my debut picture book, HECTOR: A BOY, A PROTEST, AND THE PHOTOGRAPH THAT CHANGED APARTHEID, will be published by Page Street Kids on June 4, 2019. |
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