It was lovely meeting everyone again on this our first local SCBWI meeting here in kiwi land.

Francis Plumpton our fearless leader introduced Sandra Morris, author/illustrator and guest, who runs the Sandra Morris Illustration Agency, promoting illustrators, runs workshops, along with sketching and writing her own work.

I thought I would post a couple of links here , her bio, and here , her agency,  so you can see and learn for yourself information about this incredible guest.   We were privileged to hear of her early works in School Journaling and the Maori Language working with Cliff Whiting.  How hard it is getting into Trade publication and the difference between Trade and Educational Publication.  Just seeing her beautiful bird sketches up close is quite amazing.  Wowing us with her black and white sketches of birds in flight looking like they were literally flying off the page.   Photoshop she learned on the job.

It was after a Bologna visit  that she decided to start up her own Illustration Publishing Company, showcasing other illustrators.  As writer/illustrator she is known for books such as Pohutukawa – a childrens book of animals and birds,  The lonely Kakapo  and Discovering New Zealand Birds.

Sandra has many future projects waiting in the wings, venturing into Native Journaling for kids.  Helping in the discovery of what is above them and what one might find on the ground, in gardens, on a beach walks etc…  Sandra believes in an illustration bringing out the emotions, colour and feel that is more than just a picture on a page.  She lives in Auckland and teaches childrens book illustration through an Auckland University Programme and runs workshops with fellow illustrator Nina Rycroft at the Auckland museum .

I thoughly enjoyed this insightful conference and it was over all too soon.

Francis is at present in Bologna showcasing some of New Zealands finest authors work at the Book Fair.