ARTBOX presents: Stay Hidden, Stay Still
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An exploration of Tasmanian native animals, and the healing power of imagination, from Cradoc-based children’s book illustrator Margie Kirk (@Tiger Tiger Design).
Sunday 28 February – Saturday 27 March 2021 Loongana Park, Cygnet
Stay Hidden, Stay Still features the beautiful illustrations by Margie Kirk, from her first book Travelling Tasmanian Tigers and upcoming second book, Quoll and Quill.
“I started drawing Tasmanian Tigers approximately 25 years ago as I was quite fascinated by these animals,” said Margie. “This fascination now extends to all our beautiful native animals and I love drawing them.
“I was really inspired to write a book when I went to a local artist’s book launch… One night these words came into my head: ‘Dining with Devils at Dunally’.
“This simple idea formed the basis and I decided that the tigers would travel around iconic spots in Tasmania and meet up with other native animals. I started drawing with lots of passion and enthusiasm.
“My medium is coloured pencils and as enjoy the intensity you can achieve and also the textures by layering colours.”
Margie sent her illustrations and text to Forty South Publishing, who liked the idea and helped to create Travelling Tasmanian Tigers.
“The drawings and text went from cartridge paper drawings to a hardcover book and I will always remember the feeling of holding your book for the first time.
“Writing books has not been easy as I work and have a property to run and I am a single parent.
“The time I do get to spend writing and drawing does allow me to escape into a beautiful fantasy. It is great therapy and a takes me to a happy place.”Margie said she feels great joy when people tell her that their child likes Travelling Tasmanian Tigers or grabs it from the shelf to read.
“I would love to see that it sparks interest in nature and Tasmanian wildlife and maybe [inspires people to become] a conservationist in their own backyard.
“Everything has to start somewhere. I feel we are so lucky to live on this island but our wildlife live here as well and some of our animals are endangered and need people to care.”
View ARTBOX’s touring calendar here: www.huonvalley.tas.gov.au/ARTBOX
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Council is welcoming proposals from local creators who are interested to exhibit their works in ARTBOX. Find out more on the Council website or contact us on (03) 6264 0300 or via email [email protected].
Stay Hidden, Stay Still is supported by the Tasmanian Community Fund and the Bendigo Bank Community Bank Branches.
ARTBOX is managed by the Huon Valley Council’s Arts and Culture Program.