Charmaine Ledden-Lewis

Illustrator

Charmaine Ledden-Lewis is a proud Bundjalung woman,  artist and illustrator, living on Dharug & Gundungurra Country in the Blue Mountains, NSW. Through guidance and demonstration, Charmaine shares her passion and enthusiasm for creativity and visual literacy, and encourages all those she meets to transcend inhibition and engage in artistic expression. Charmaine also takes pride in fostering conversation exploring First Nations perspective, inclusivity and diversity.

Found by Bruce Pascoe (author)

Born to Run by Cathy Freeman (author)

Charlie’s Swim by Edith Wright (author)

Growing Up Wiradjuri by Dr Anita Heiss (author)

Where were you born?

I was born on Gadigal Land in Sydney. During my childhood, my family and I relocated to Dharug & Gundungurra Country in the Blue Mountains, NSW. While I enjoyed the years I spent living in a buzzing urban jungle, it was the quiet, endless skies of the mountains, and the promise of wild adventure, just beyond our back fence, that I grew to love and call home.

What other jobs have you had?

I’ve spent years in the corporate and government sectors as a business analyst,  and for respite from office culture, I have enjoyed working in the frenetic energy of hospitality (I make a mean cocktail). At the heart of my professional pursuits, engaging interaction with people has always brought me happiness. The same can be said for illustration; fostering human connection and exploring stories, sometimes my own, through art, gives me purpose.

What themes are recurring in your work?

I have been privileged to collaborate with some of our most talented and inspiring First Nations story tellers. Their experiences echo my own, and as such, our books delve into a complimentary play of literal and visual exploration of our shared journeys. The Stolen Generations, racism, and the continued impact of colonialism is put forward in a way that encourages empathy and understanding for readers, young and old. It gives me a great sense of fulfilment to contribute to the truth telling and healing that is happening across our continent, and offers hope for a future where our children will be safe and our culture will be revered

What have been the highlights of your career?

My career started with a highlight; after winning the Kestin Indigenous Illustrator Award, I was privileged to work with Uncle Bruce Pascoe on our first book, ‘Found’, which went on to be nominated for many awards. Through this, I was welcomed into the magical world of picture books, and have celebrated every single opportunity that has come my way since, and cherished the incredible people I’ve met on this journey.

Where have your works been published?

My books can be found Australia wide!

What are you passionate about?

So many things!! Equality, kindness, celebrating nature… though I’d have to say I’m most passionate about art & creativity. Art has the power to convey ideas and feelings, simply through practicing it or experiencing it. Consequentially, we are influenced and inspired by artistic pursuit. There’s something magical in that.

Haven’t I seen you before?

Perhaps I’ve served you a cocktail…?

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

Be kind; to people, to animals, to the environment, and to yourself.

Watch Charmaine read Born to Run