The Last Dispatch (of 2023)
Hello there!
Blimey, that all went a bit quick didn’t it!?
I’m going to try and keep this last Woodcock Dispatch of the year as brief as possible, so here’s a random look at moments and thoughts from 2023…
As you all know, books are indeed magic and so are independent bookshops wherever they are in the world. My little trip to NYC last month reminded me of a lot of things, especially that sharing my stories and process directly with kids is really what this is all about! (More on NYC shenanigans here).
I finished off illustrating a very involved and lovely picturebook this year, that we’ll be saying more about very soon. This is the colour plan (above) that I made at the start of the project, it pretty much captures the energy and joy I tried to pack into the book.
The creative highlight this year was having Silver Linings out in the world. I’m still processing the whole thing. It was a long process with many stages and emotions to accompany the problem solving, refining, anticipation, letting go and the reaction. I’m proud of it and as time passes it becomes even clearer to me just how personal the themes and story are. Thank you to all of you that bought the book and championed it, I really appreciate it.
I also enjoyed painting more windows to celebrate the paperback release of The Frost Goblin written by Abi Elphinstone. There’s a process video here, but it fails to capture the torrential rainstorm that made my reference paper slide down the window! : )
Happy Holidays!
I spent a very happy time at my desk making this image to say Merry Christmas!
It’s an ode to the phenomenon of my snug beanie hat slowly rising up when I’m out on walks. I’m always oblivious until I see myself in the mirror back home. There’s probably a *scientific explanation to do with too much hair. : )
I did this pretty quickly to also post on Colour Collective and used the original face from my initial quick sketch. I couldn’t bring myself to put a smile on the face. This is what I sketched without over thinking and I honoured it. I think the expression subtly and subconsciously reflects my overwhelm at the sad state of the world.
Other stuff
Ruth Asawa’s Through Line exhibition at The Whitney was so inspiring. (on until Jan 15th 2024) It’s a playful celebration of drawing - the activity that Asawa described as her "greatest pleasure and the most difficult."
This wonderfully crafted radio documentary about Maurice Sendak on BBC Sounds is highly recommended. It also made me go and dig this out again for a little bit more from the incredibly moving conversation at the end.
Past Lives - I’ve got high hopes for this beautiful film in the awards season. I was beyond thrilled to walk past the dreamy carousel (above) from the film on a chilly morning in NYC.
Bagpuss fans might enjoy a bit of Oliver Postgate nostalgia featuring the real life Madelaine singing the mouse song! : ) Also on BBC Sounds.
Le Pupille (on Disney + unfortunately) A 37 min gem of a film that follows the rebellious girls of an Italian Catholic boarding school before Christmas.
I listened to Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, by Gabrielle Zevin on audiobook this autumn. It’s far from an obscure discovery, and I expect a lot of you have already read it? There’s a lot I could talk about, but I particularly appreciate that there was a main character who highlighted the importance of the people who help creatives to do what they do. Producers, editors, agents, marketing and sales people etc don’t get the credit they deserve, but without them we wouldn’t get our work up to scratch and out in the world.
The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper and Carson Ellis came out a few years ago now - It was the winter solstice this week and Carson Ellis shared this beautiful short interview with herself and Susan Cooper, about the history of the solstice. I love the idea of the beginning of hope as the sun returns after the shortest day.
So signing off by wishing you all a wonderful book-filled festive break and all the best for a creative and peaceful year ahead.
Thank you for reading the Woodcock Dispatch!
Fiona
*P.S - I’ve just conducted a semi-scientific experiment to determine my hat reverting into gnome stylie. It appears to be related to my big scarf pushing my hair and hat up the back of my head, little by little as I walk along! (perhaps!) x
Your illustrations for your new book look beautiful!
Love your self-portrait Fiona! ❤️