Place of Birth:
Heyfield, Victoria

What is your favourite book and why?
My favourite novel is A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I love all his books. My favourite picture book – difficult, but I love Sean Tan’s illustrations and imagination, and the watercolours of Lizbeth Zwerger (a Scandinavian illustrator).

What is your most treasured possession?
My sight and the ability to ‘see’ - particularly colour.

What did you do before you were a published author?
Before I was an illustrator, I was a graphic designer working in advertising and on newspapers. Then I studied painting and exhibited for about ten years. I started illustrating in 1990 and still paint portraits – commissions and competition entries. I have a painting currently in the Archibald Prize and am working on my next entry.

When did you start painting?
I’ve always drawn, ever since I can remember. I learned painting techniques in 1983-5 at the Geelong Fine Art Studio. I love using oil paints and coloured inks – the colours are so brilliant.

Where do you get your ideas?
I like to paint people most and they inspire me. It’s difficult to say where ideas come from – everyday environment, things that happen, a chance sighting of something.

Can you give your top 3 tips on becoming a successful illustrator?

1. Keep in touch – send photos, disks of your work to publishers.
2. Work, work, work – you’ll keep improving.
3. Only illustrate texts you love – unless you’re lucky enough to be able to write your own.

What is your favourite memory?
Right now – the six weeks in Padang, West Sumatra that I’ve just returned from. I did an intensive Indonesian language course with forty other Aussie students. I love Indonesia and the countryside in Padang and the friendliness of the people made it an unforgettable experience.

If you hadn’t been an illustrator what would you have done?
Possibly been a photographer – I love my camera.