Busy, busy with my ongoing projects!! Yet, I enjoyed "CBCA the Short List Professional Development Conference" for the first time. Applause to the shortlisted creators! CBCA promotes us, creators. There, I met Books in Homes. Very interesting to listen to CBCA judges’ choice of books and why. Apart from the shortlist, two amazing picture book creators were key speakers : an author, Jackie French and an illustrator/author, Bruce Whatley.
In 2014, I sat just next to Bruce and sketched him in an airplane on the way to Melbourne, when I was invited to Helen Chamberlin’s Dromkeen Medal Award Ceremony. When I chatted over it, he clearly remembered it (Thank goodness, sketching!). "What a small world!" he exclaimed. Generous Bruce taught me lot and answered my technical questions. That’s a great bonus! I’ll keep up.
Jackie’s speech is one of the most enthusiastic ones I’ve ever seen in my life. Really, WOW! I’ve also got why mentor Ann James said, “See Jackie. She’s giving, giving!” When she signed a book, she was so caring for each one.…I felt "love" in Jackie's passion. "Your heart is full of love," I said. Honoured that she liked my sketch. Thank you very much, Jackie French, a superstar, for kindness in a crazy busy time. I'm learning a lot from the conference. Thank u very much, CBCA, for giving me a wonderful opportunity to know our industry more than ever.
The photo is after the conference. L to R. Jackie Hawkes (CBCA), Peter Large (Books in Homes Australia), Susanne/Susie Gervay, Anna Moulton (Magabala), Gail Erskine (CBCA). Kind Gail introduced me as one of creators. Peter and I talked over the importance of literacy and social inequality. Education/curriculum and literature/publication will go hand in hand. Books in Homes Australia has been distributing books to the disadvantaged. Peter's enthusiasm and their objectives overlap my thoughts and touches my heart. We've promised to keep in touch!
A conference is wonderful for networking. I'm a novice and life long learner forever. Friends, attend conferences and make friends with others. Of course, sketch around.
Happy Painting!!
Helen Chebatte (One of Judges for Short List)
