Tag Archives: mixed meda

IBBY Mini Masterpieces auction

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Hello there! It’s been a while. I’d love to draw your attention to this auction because it’s only live until 1 December, and the proceeds of sales will help The International Board on Books for Young People to continue its work of building bridges to international understanding though children’s books. Boy do we need international understanding more than ever!

So if you think you might like like to purchase a postcard sized Mini Masterpiece while supporting the IBBY, or if perhaps you’d just like to have a little peek at all the lovely art there, head over now to check out 51 artworks donated by 35 illustrators from around Australia. You can see a list of the fabulous creators below! Click on the blue postcard to be taken to the auction. You’ll need to create an account in order to bid, but it’s easy, and so worth it. The artworks are starting at just $75, (but as it’s a fundraiser I hope they will go much higher) Do spread the word. The artworks can be posted internationally too, in case you want to bid from outside Australia.


What do my mini masterpieces look like? I’m glad you asked. I’ve donated four mixed media works on up-cycled book boards, because I got addicted to making Party Animals.

Although these four artworks make a set, they can of course be bid on individually. The party animals’ names are Alan, Maxine, Jennifer and Mike. I feel as though I know them all. (Actually the names and personalities of three of them were inspired by characters from the TV series Russian Doll, starring Natasha Lyonne. She is absolutely magnetic. The fourth, Jennifer is named in honour of Jennifer Saunders’ dance moves with a handbag.)

This is Alan. He is not very comfortable at parties, but he likes to watch everyone else enjoying themselves, whilst standing in a safe corner eating snacks.
This is Mike. Mike is in his element at parties. He can give full rein to his predatory instincts whilst enjoying a tasty beverage. Do not engage with Mike. He is best observed from a safe distance.
This is Maxine. She is the host of this particular party and is great at catering for her guests, but still manages to have a great time as well. She may look fabulous, but she will defend herself from the likes of Mike with a well aimed kick if necessary.
This is Jennifer. She loves those boots that she found in the op shop, but they are slightly too small for her feet. Ouch! And now she’s dropped her handbag on the dance floor.

I think I will make more for this series, when I can take a moment away from my publishing deadlines. They feel as though they are so very me. I’ve been exploring altered books for a lot of years, but I’ve mostly abandoned working on the typeset pages in favour of collaging onto book boards.

Again, the link to the auction is here.

And the link to the IBBY website is here, if you’d like to learn more about IBBY.