Narratives of Nature is a space for stories inspired by our human nature and the natural world.
Narratives of Nature is a space for stories inspired by our human nature and the natural world.
On World Suicide Prevention Day (10.09.2023) ‘Elegy for an Elephant’ was officially debuted. The ‘Elephant’s Migration’ and book launch was accompanied by a 2 week long art exhibition at Brightspace Gallery, St Kilda, Melbourne. The exhibition showcased the creative process of the picture book’s making and becoming, filmic works, watercolour studies as well as the final art that appears in the book (there are a few remaining original pieces and prints for sale here). Photos of the exhibition courtesy of Dean Schmideg (DS Images).
Backdropped by the horizon line of where the Sea meets the Sky in Bondi Beach, Elegy for an Elephant was launched in Sydney on 15.11.23. The ‘Elephant in the Seabreeze’ one-night-only took place in the appropriately named Blue Room of the Bondi Surf Life Saving Club. The evening was in conversation with sisters Tami Sussman (author) and Lana Sussman (clinical social worker), discussing the creative process, mental health considerations and the artistic shapes of grief. Dr Diana Sands gave a welcome address and shared her reflections on the project, drawn from her own clinical experiences in suicide bereavement research and counseling.
The 61st edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair brought 31, 735 people together from over 100 countries. With an incredible program of over 380 events, it powers the picture book community to inspire readers anywhere, with stories from everywhere (and a reminder that storytelling is a never ending story). My elegiac elephant calf and I were awed by the millions of books. I was scared to embark on this journey as a first time author – illustrator and representing Narratives of Nature; an emerging independent micro publisher. Thank you to the Books from Australia family who always made me feel at home.
