Here’s the cover for issue 669 of the Quokka newspaper– the theme was Foundation Day, a public holiday in Western Australia. Like last week’s cover, this is a reference to a famous image- this time it’s a painting by George Pitt Morrison called The Foundation of Perth.
The original painting tells a story from the early history of Western Australia- on the 12th of August 1829, Mrs Helen Dance, the wife of the captain of the HMS Sulphur, cut down a tree to commemorate the founding of the colony. Apparently the tree was close to where the Perth Town Hall now stands. I think that’s the Narrows off in the distance, and Mt Eliza- which is now Kings Park. There’s not a hint of an Aboriginal person anywhere.
James makes books for courageous kids. He’s the author/illustrator of the S.Tinker Inc graphic novel series for middle primary: Brobot (2016), Dungzilla (2017) and Gastronauts (2018) star Sally Tinker, the world’s foremost inventor under the age of twelve, and Joe Tinker, her stinky baby brother. The fourth in the series, Chickensaurus, is out in late 2020. He is also the illustrator of the Toffle Towers series written by Tim Harris. James’ earlier books My Dead Bunny (2015), In The Lion (2012), The Last Viking (2011) and The Last Viking Returns (2014) have all scored several honours, including children’s choice awards, shortlistings in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year awards, and selection to the International Youth Library’s White Raven list. The sequel to My dead Bunny - There's Something Weird About Lena - is out in late 2020. James comes from a long line of queuing enthusiasts. Follow him on FB/twitter/insta/youtube @jamesfoleybooks, or at www.jamesfoley.com.au .
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4 thoughts on “Quokka- Foundation Day”
Hi James, your blog is looking great. Your Quokka illustrations always have some humor in them 🙂 Do you always get a free reign with your ideas? or do you get suggestions aswell? hehe just noticed the quokka asleep under tree 🙂 Could comment on all your other work too as it is really interesting! Your clay work is looking fun and strong. I have done a figurative clay sculptures workshop at FAC a few years ago too, was great. Love doing courses there. Anyway all the best with your blogging! I better get back into it again now my stylefile sub is in. Seeya at Rotto!
Hi Shannon 🙂 sometimes it’s free reign- I’ll just be given a topic- and sometimes the suggestion is more detailed. I’m really enjoying the clay classes, they’re great fun- I find it easier to work in 3D sometimes, because you don’t have to rub out lines and redraw- you just move bits around. I’ll try and paint these sculptures up and post the finished products.
Hi James, your blog is looking great. Your Quokka illustrations always have some humor in them 🙂 Do you always get a free reign with your ideas? or do you get suggestions aswell? hehe just noticed the quokka asleep under tree 🙂 Could comment on all your other work too as it is really interesting! Your clay work is looking fun and strong. I have done a figurative clay sculptures workshop at FAC a few years ago too, was great. Love doing courses there. Anyway all the best with your blogging! I better get back into it again now my stylefile sub is in. Seeya at Rotto!
Hi Shannon 🙂 sometimes it’s free reign- I’ll just be given a topic- and sometimes the suggestion is more detailed. I’m really enjoying the clay classes, they’re great fun- I find it easier to work in 3D sometimes, because you don’t have to rub out lines and redraw- you just move bits around. I’ll try and paint these sculptures up and post the finished products.
Dear James, I LOVE your Quokka covers!! If you ever decided to publish a book of your best covers I would buy it & pay big bucks too!
Hi Clare. Thanks for your kind words, if I publish one I will let you know 🙂