Freya Blackwood
Where were you born? Where do you live now?
I was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Apparently when I was a baby I slept in a cardboard box in our Kombi van. I now live in Orange, about four hours west of Sydney.
Where did you go to school?
I went to James Sheahan Catholic High School in Orange.
Did you have a nickname?
A rather mean boy gave me a nickname when I was at school, but I can’t repeat it.
What were you like in school?
I seem to remember being fairly quiet and shy, and I most definitely worked too hard. I suspect I was actually quite boring!
What is the naughtiest thing you did?
I didn’t do anything naughty… except I once tied my brother to the back fence, and another time fed him a mixture of sugar and chilli powder.
What was your favourite book growing up?
I have lots of favourite picture books from childhood.
The House That Beebo Built was special because we would read it when we visited my grandparents. I also loved
Could Be Worse and
Where the Wild Things Are.
Who is your favourite children’s author?
I think it would have to be Roald Dahl. Great to read as a kid, and even better when you’re an adult!
What is your favourite food/colour/movie?
Really good Thai food; the colour red; and
Amelie.
Who inspired you to illustrate?
I don’t know that there is any one person who inspired me, more a collection of experiences and influences. My mum was always very encouraging when my brother and I were growing up, so that we felt we could be anything we wanted to be. She is a painter and so was her father, so our house was full of paintings. Illustrators who inspired me greatly when I first started illustrating were Lisbeth Zwerger and Armin Greder.
How did you get started?
I sent some work to Scholastic Press and the editor apparently ran around looking for a text for me to illustrate. When she couldn’t find one that was already written she approached John Heffernan to write a story for me to illustrate. And that was
Two Summers.
How old were you at that stage?
I was 27 when
Two Summers was published.
Why did you want to be an illustrator?
I always loved to draw and telling stories through drawings was what came naturally to me. I made little illustrated books throughout my childhood and even as a teenager. I remember making a book for a friend about us travelling to the moon in his parents’ Volvo. As an adult, all the jobs I tried left me feeling unfulfilled and I became desperate to do something creative of my own. So I set out to become an illustrator and lo and behold—I did!
How do you think up ideas?
Strangely enough I find it hard to start drawing. Making notes is much easier, so I write copious notes until I’ve got my head around a book. Then I reluctantly start to draw.
Do you have a special place where you illustrate?
I like sitting on the couch at night drawing in a sketch book, but most of my work is done in my studio in the backyard. It’s a space that is just mine, where I can forget the washing-up and any other responsibilities, and just relax. And then remind myself I have to work…
What is the best thing about being an illustrator?
There are MANY good things. Hearing stories of how your books have encouraged a child to read is definitely the best thing. Second to that would have to be seeing your books travel the world—they’ve gone further than I expect I ever will!
Have you had any funny or embarrassing moment as an illustrator?
Once, I went to a bookshop to sign some of their copies of
Two Summers. I’d never done a book signing before and assumed that because I was an illustrator I had to draw a picture as well as sign my name. I decided to try drawing a sheep with a biro, which is all I had, and instead drew something like a deformed black pig. I just put it on the bottom of the pile and quickly ran out.
What do you do when you are not illustrating?It seems as though when I’m not working, all I do is wash up, and attempt to clear the dining room table and pick dandelion leaves for my daughter’s rabbit, and then wash up again. Occasionally I practise the cello. I started learning to play the cello last year. It’s extremely hard. When not doing any of these things, my daughter and I like to visit my parents’ farm and swim in the dam or go bushwalking.
What would you have chosen to be if you were not an illustrator?
If I HAD to choose something else, I’d have liked to sing in a blues or jazz band.
Which famous person from the past would you like to talk to?
Maybe Cezanne or Matisse. I suspect I’d be too nervous and wouldn’t be able to think of anything to say. This happened when I met Roddy Doyle.
Website/blog details:www.freyablackwood.com.au
http://freyablackwood.blogspot.com.au/