Anna Walker is an illustrator and author of picture books. Her stories include the award winning Florette which was chosen as a Best Illustrated Book by the New York Times & New York Public Library. And Mr Huff which won CBCA Book of the Year for Early Childhood.
Working with watercolour, pencil and collage, Anna is inspired by the quiet details of the world around her.
We spoke with Anna ahead of the launch of her new book, The Dream Keeper. Here’s what she had to say:
Your work has a dreamy atmospheric quality. Tell us about your style of illustration.
When I illustrate, I try to capture the feeling of the moment rather than documenting details. Limiting the colour palette and retaining a simplicity within the imagery helps me focus on the emotion of the character. I enjoy the intimate time spent with a character in showing them trying to be brave as they go about their day. Before I begin a story, I imagine what the world looks like in a hazy way and then work towards coming as close as possible to this vision.
Your soon-to-be released book is entitled The Dream Keeper. What was the initial spark for this story?
When in Seoul many years ago, I was preparing to present a series of workshops. From the hotel window I could see a mountain shaped like the back of a giant turtle. I imagined the turtle watching over me. Time passed and when I found the drawing again, I wondered about the idea of a child having a creature that protects them. A creature that helps the child know that the courage they need is within…and so began The Dream Keeper.
Some of your illustrations seem to echo the gardens here at Abbotsford Convent. Can you talk about how working in this environment has influenced the visual world of The Dream Keeper and other books?
Walking through the Convent gardens and seeing Thistle flowers in the early morning sunlight or the Oak tree in the twilight as I leave is reassuring as it is inspiring. My favourite walk is beyond the rotunda where tiny Thornbills hide in the cubby formed by the draping branches. The lovely shapes form details in my picture books, particularly in the paths Turtle travels in The Dream Keeper.
I feel so fortunate to have a studio at the Convent. Being part of a community of makers, the light on my desk, the music that drifts across from the Australian National Academy of Music rehearsing, being able to wander in the garden, are some of my favourite things!
The Dream Keeper is available from 1 May.