Secret Creatures by Hayley Potter
9 - 24 May, 2008
9 - 24 May, 2008
I usually refer to myself as an Illustrator and Writer. My work has evolved from a fascination in magical and fictional worlds that has existed since childhood. Authors and artists from the Victorian Era inspire me. As does fashion, nature and timeless landscapes; all of these interests are the fuel for my drawings and stories. I communicate narratives by using experimental techniques such as drawing in mixed media, model making and photography. I am committed to creating charismatic characters and imagined worlds. I often create my own stories, but also enjoy giving traditional fairytales a twist, or working from another writers text.
My most recent personal work has been inspired by my curiosity for animals. I have spent many months working from observation, drawing creatures in zoos and in the wild, to create a body of work that I can refer to, to inform and inspire my characters. I am currently working on two books; one of them is for a younger audience than my previous work.
By exploring innovative and contemporary ways of storytelling, I investigate how drawing and photography can work together inside a child’s book. I see the child’s book as our first initiation to art and with this in mind, I am developing narratives that will challenge me both as a storyteller and as an artist.
As part of the ‘Secret Creatures’
exhibition illustrator Hayley Potter
is running a ‘Create a Character’
workshop at the Southfields Library
on Saturday 17th May between
12.30 and 4.30pm.
All work will be featured in an
on-line gallery and when collecting
your character you will be given
a birth certificate for your
new friend.
The workshop is free,
and open to all ages and abilities.
Southfields Library
300 Wimbledon Pk Road
London SW19 6NL