On Friday 30 September, I was part of a small group of writers and illustrators who took up the exciting opportunity to hear from and speak to Shaun Tan, as part of the ASA's Creators on Craft series.
It was a real privilege to hear about Shaun's creative process and literally to get a glimpse of his own workspace, as he spoke to us from his Melbourne studio. He generously shared moments from his working papers for The Arrival and The Lost Thing, amongst other practice paintings and sketches. Probably the most important thing that came through, was his curiosity with the world around him, his continual need to explore and research, trying new ways of doing and seeing, and always keeping his sketchbook and pen or pencil at hand. Shaun's quiet, unassuming manner combined with his huge intelligence shines through - a true Artist and truly inspirational. Thank you Shaun!
A sketch from the GCS Gallery Exhibition, 'Shaun Tan: The Art of Story - Discovering The Lost Thing Book to film'.