Marjory Gardner

Illustrator

Marjory Gardner’s illustration workshops encourage participants to use colour, pattern and detail to bring to life the characters of their imagination. She describes her drawing process from first roughs to finished art, the hard slog, the fun and the sometimes frustrating stages along the way.

Where were you born?

Malaya. I had an idyllic childhood living in a house surrounded by jungle filled with small deer, monkeys and snakes. I loved drawing, and because it was the tropics we only went to school in the morning, leaving the afternoon to draw and dream. At age 11 our family emigrated to Australia.

What other jobs have you had?

Working in a bookshop. Graphic designer in a couple of small studios and at the Red Cross Blood Bank in their Publicity Department.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Caring for others, friendships, family, problem solving, enjoying the moment, kindness to animals

What have been the highlights of your career?

I love being at the desk drawing, but I’m so grateful it has given me the opportunity to share my work with students all around Australia. From Darwin to Hobart, I love being on the road, and am constantly delighted and amazed at the creativity of the young people I meet.

Where have your works been published?

My educational titles have gone into reading schemes all around the world. My trade books are published in the UK and the USA.

What are you passionate about?

Encouraging kids to be confident about developing their own drawing style and technique. Kindness to each other and animals. Gardening and growing flowers. Travelling. My family and my two jack russells.

Haven’t I seen you before?

I also paint brooches and Christmas decorations so you may have seen me selling them at your local craft market!

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I’ve been doing presentations in schools and libraries for many years, and love it! It’s wonderful when little preppies suddenly applaud when I hold up a drawing, or when older students can’t quite believe I drew something by hand and not via a computer program. I’ve floated out on a cloud of happiness.