Yvonne Ashby writes . . .
I was born in 1955 and am one of eight children. My father is a Hungarian refugee and my mother, a migrant from Germany. For as long as I can remember I have loved drawing and painting. As a child my hobby was an escape from the pressure of being a part of a big family. It became part of my identity and was encouraged by my cultural background. I also loved books and the old children’s library is where I discovered Hugh Lofting’s Doctor Dolittle series (I have now collected the old books for my youngest daughter).
I studied Interior Design and Graphic Design and was about 19 when my love of illustrating was realised. In the year 2000 Solo Bush Babies: Kangaroo and Solo Bush Babies: Possum, written by Helen Manthorpe, were published. This year I have completed a further two books in the series, Koala and Wombat by Robin Stewart. The illustrations are rendered in watercolour, pencil and line. My initial work is in sketch form comprising studies of the animals—their movement, size, colour and quaint characteristics.
I work systematically and meet regularly with the art director, editor and publisher of Omnibus books as the book develops. I also keep contact with the author to ensure authenticity.
One of the major contributing factors in my work is my love of colour. Wherever possible I attempt to reflect the wonderful environment, the colour, the flora and the unique Australian landscape. I also love animals but through my work on the Solo Series have also had to pay particular attention to illustrating people.
My first experience with children’s books was illustrating titles requiring only linework. I finally moved into the full-colour market. Over much of my career I have worked in the Design and Visual Art areas. It has been difficult as an illustrator to translate in visual art because of the variety of styles I work in. The result is that my paintings are not easily identifiable.
I love working and enjoy the solitude. I have never had a problem with being dissatisfied with my career. I learn all the time, it’s about development for me, striving to improve myself—it’s a lifelong quest.
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