Sophie Norsa on writing her first picture book

July 9th, 2014
As a work experience student Sophie's exceptional artistic talents were quickly discovered by New Frontier Publishing. She was shortlisted for the Crichton Award for her illustrations inYellow Dress Day.Lisa Absolutely Loves Artis the first book Sophie has written as well as illustrated.



What was the inspiration behind this book?

Since I was very young I have had a fascination with the stories that a painting can tell. Art gallery visits were pretty exhausted for my poor mum, who was caught between the need to encourage my interest in art and the 1 hour parking limit in the city! So Lisa Absolutely Loves Art was a fulfilment of a little girl’s dream to live the paintings of my heroes. Picasso the cat wriggled his way into the story mainly because I have a naughty cat that demands attention while I am trying to paint.

This is the first book you have written and illustrated. How did the process differ from books you have illustrated?

It is easier in some ways but harder in others. Being in control of the whole project means that there is not so much time spent wrestling with the look of the pictures, because I can write the story and paint the pictures concurrently. Sometimes new ideas spring onto me from the painting process, which I can then alter the words to match or compliment. But at the same time, it is harder, because having the input of another creative mind can put ideas on the table that I would not always go for, which is a healthy way to be challenged as an artist. Working on my own meant I could keep more in my comfort zone.

Tell us about your technique?

I could try and describe my process as a technique but I feel it would be somewhat contradictory to the craziness from which my drawings develop. Generally I’ll start with a rough pencil sketch, and then a watercolour wash. After that, in no distinguishable or logical order, I’ll layer on pencils, pastels, textas, pens, ink gouache and whatever else is lying around. My favourite thing to work with is colour, so I try not to limit my palette. By the end of an illustration my table is a battleground of fallen, weary art materials.

Which illustrators do you most admire?

I admire everyone who illustrates, simply because I know how tough it is and thus have a lot of respect for anyone who manages to succeed. But in particular, I love Alison Lester from my childhood, as well as Richard Scarry, Steven Michael King, Peter Carnavas and Graeme Base. Quentin Blake and Dr. Seuss are the two that I admire most.

How will you be celebrating the release of Lisa Absolutely Loves Art?

By painting more pictures and thinking of my next book!

Lisa Absolutely Loves Art by Sophie Norsa is out now.

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