As
a relative newcomer to the field of children’s book illustration,
it is with a certain amount of temerity that I step over the
threshold of ‘Pinerolo’ Book Cottage.
Walls
are
covered by originals from award winning illustrators, the bed room
shelving chock a block with 3,000 neatly stacked picture books and
folders of story boards and preparatory sketches for books in all
stages of the production process are on display and accessible for
the student.
Me!
Just
a
tad daunting!
Just
inside the door a bookcase of first editions and rare books rub
shoulders with a display of original matted and cellophaned
illustrations.
Among
the books for sale displayed in crates on a table I find several to
bring home for the grandchildren.
Stacks
of books waiting for reviews invade the kitchen and congregate around
Margaret’s work space, ever increasing with each visit
Max makes to the Post Office in Blackheath, or the courier’s knock.
Margaret
gathered me up from Blackheath,
in the Blue Mountains, with my shopping (the cottage is self
catering), my little bag of clothes and an extremely heavy suitcase
containing my sketch pads and equipment ready for a week of work.
And
that I certainly did!
I
find a routine essential for progress
and to this purpose, arose early for a brisk walk along the Shipley
plateau, accompanied by carolling bird song, in the crisp, breath-
blowing air.
By
the end of the week there were five white camellias in a glass,
plucked daily from a road side hedge.
Breakfast
and then to work by 9.00.
A
desk and day light lamp, in a comfortable warm room, served as my
studio for five days
Margaret
came over from her elegant sandstone Italian-influenced
home, (built by husband Max, also
an ex-librarian as well as co-publisher of Margaret
Hamilton Books), at 10am. It is no surprise to find an extensive library
included in the design.
Some
time would be spent discussing my pieces and progress was checked
regularly during the day.
Margaret
gave unstintingly and selflessly of her wealth of knowledge and
experience in the book industry, always willingly answering my many
queries, and showing me the intricacies of making a story board,
something of which I had little knowledge.
From
children’s librarian, bookseller, and publisher, a parent of a
reader, and her long involvement with CBCA,
one can see why Margaret is the most worthy recipient of many distinguished
awards, including
an Order of Australia for Services to Children’s Literature.
At
lunch time we
all sat together on the pleasant terrace in the sunshine admiring
yellow breasted robins, honeyeaters, parrots and magpies that are
regular visitors.
Then
it’s back to the drawing board!
Margaret’s
mentoring and editing services have been invaluable to me and it’s
largely due to her help and encouragement that I now have two books
ready to present to publishers.
During
my time at ‘Pinerolo’, Margaret made me her prime focus and I am
indeed indebted to the Copyright Agency Ltd. who funded this project
to host 4 residencies for emerging and/or established children’s
book illustrators in 2012.
Margaret,
a great champion of the contribution made by illustrators, showcases
22 Australian Illustrators in her ABC Book of Australian Children’s
Illustrators, published by ABC Books, 2005.
“One
of the highlights of my long career in children’s books has been
the opportunity to work with illustrators on picture books. The
whole creative process from manuscript to finished book is exciting,
demanding and immensely rewarding”, she writes.
Thankyou,
Max and Margaret for your care,
kindnesses and expertise and for welcoming me so warmly to ‘Pinerolo,
your little piece of Paradise.
Rosemary
Mastnak July 30th,2011
To find out more about Pinerolo, visit www.pinerolo.com.au
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| Rosemary Mastnak |
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