Trace Balla

Where were you born?

Naarm, Wurrundjeri Country, Melbourne, the big city, on a very hot day. My ancestors come from Hungary, England and France - from them I have inherited a love of dance and artistic creativity. 

What other jobs have you had?

I have a background in illustration, animation, community arts, and facilitating many creative workshops. My weirdest on the side job was being a victim simulator for first aid courses- fake blood and all! 

What themes are recurring in your work?

Environmental themes and matters of the heart and soul.

What have been the highlights of your career?

So Many superb moments!! 

I was deeply moved to see the heartfelt response of the Mirarr Senior Traditional Owner Yvonne Margarula and her sisters as they received my latest book Treeshape – their connection to Country and the historical campaign they lead to stop the Jabiluka uranium mine in Kakadu National Park sits at the heart of this book.

What I love most is to inspire others' creativity, understanding of place and love and care about the environment, so some things stand out… My first book Rivertime inspires countless people to paddle the river, my animation The Earlybird, about the joy of commuting on a bike, (won the environmental film award at the human rights film festival), inspires lots of people out of their cars and onto their bikes, and I get to hear kids singing the lyrics I wrote for 'The Trusty Rusty Bike', (won kids' song of the year), as they ride by on their bikes! It was even made into a school musical! Having Elders endorse and ask me to keep making books, and hearing from families who tell me my books are among their kids dog eared favourites is affirming to know I’m on track…

If you were a bird which would you be and why?

Oh, too many choices. Maybe a Great Crested Grebe, they look a bit wacky and they love to swim... and sometimes I’m a bit of a galah!

Or maybe one of those Bowerbirds, I’m a hopeless collector of junk.

Haven’t I seen you before?

Maybe spinning past on my bike, singing some song, or even up a tree! 

Also available - Teachers' Notes - Rivertime and Teachers' Review - Shine

Sessions include cartooning, story catching, hatching, storyboarding, making graphic novels, zines and mini books, nature journaling, graphic novel – tips for a pitch. Talks and workshops can be tailored to the group’s interests. Trace also enjoys panel discussions and question time.