Talking to Somebody | Lisa Stewart
Lisa Stewart has taken some of her very precious time to join us today for Talking to Somebody. Many thanks Lisa, I am thinking of you and your family.
What is your work space like?
Well its just lovely, its the side room in a little apartment in Manly NSW. The light comes in and I have a wonderful pin board my Step Dad Ralph made and he stuck a table top on top of an old architect table for me. He also made the bookshelves up the top . Lucky me! Also the love of my life Stefan is always thinking of practical things to help me be organised. I'm not sure if you can see the toolbox which I have all my pencils paints etc in.
How do you record your ideas and thoughts for your work be it as a writer, illustrator/graphic designer?
I have lots of stetch books / visual diaries/ journels which I write in or try to every day. Often a sketch in one of these books then is used for a final picture or just a feeling. I always feel better too if I can put pencil to paper its a real theapry and I think a way of expressing emotions. I suppose I feel at peace when I'm sketching. It is the only way out of times of feeling sad or low for me. Music helps me too. I also love watching David Attenbourough and spend time watching his series to help draw places I can t see or be at so can sketch something like a baby platypus or try help me collage a baby cassowary or create a possum and its baby.
I would love to hear about a few of your favourite picture books.
Oh I have sooo many . But there is one that just amazed me as a four year old onwards called Sunnyside Up. Its a wordless picture book and I would stare at it for hours and hours wondering what it all meant. As I write to you I realise it has had a big influence on me. With being part of nature and I think animal and human rights.
What is your favourite thing about your home?
My husband Stefan and daughter Claire, all the amazing books , my bed - I seem to be always tired lately, the peacefulness Stefan creates, the friends who come to visit and that they feel comfortable here and that I really live surronded by nature that is my heaven on earth.
Growing up what did you want to do and be?
A concert violinist and secretly in my journels after the birth of my daughter Claire an Illustrator. I have been supported by many many people in making these dreams come true. Hundreds over the years of music making and now again with illustrating. I'm so lucky. I think illustrating is another form of giving, as is the music.
How does the city you live in influence your style?
Oh very much so Manly is divine I am so lucky to live here. I love the water the trees the lizards the birds the fish the sky the rain the trees the flowers the insects. The people.
Lisa's titles can be found online at the links below. Please do remember to visit your local boutique bookshop first.