BSAB Briony Stewart Saturday Session
The Narrative Power of Picture Books with Briony Stewart
Saturday 19th October, 12.05
Photo credit: Lara Cain Gray
We were all excited to meet WA author and illustrator Briony Stewart as one of this year’s BSAB guest presenters. Not only does she have over 20 beautiful books under her belt, her adorable Gymnastica Fantastica won this year’s CBCA Book of the Year for Early Childhood. It was no surprise to find her knowledgeable about art, writing and the publishing industry, but she did surprise us a little by making us cry – more than once!
The focus of Briony’s presentation was visual narratives. She showcased several of her books, revealing the backstories and inspirations behind the projects, as well as the myriad hidden gems in her highly detailed illustrations. She joked about the challenges – “there is always that one problem spread!” – and the joy she finds in exploring new mediums and playing around with traditional and digital art styles.
The first example was Accidentally Kelly Street, a 2022 picture book reimagining of the 1992 pop song by band Frente. Briony cites it as a song she enjoyed in her youth, which she rediscovered as a mum, finding new relevance – and picture book potential – in the lyrics. From the seed of an idea, the universe seemed to support the project, as fortuitous communications fell into place with the band and they realised the 30th anniversary of the song was approaching. Simultaneously, the plight of the ‘Biloela Family’ of refugees was in the headlines as they desperately fought for the sort of ordinary neighbourhood life depicted in the song. The resulting book blended all these influences into a moving visual conversation about how we define home, how we welcome strangers, and how we build communities.
Briony walked us through details that may not be obvious on a first read, such as repetition of symbols and side characters that reappear throughout the book with different purposes and have their own mini-narratives. She outlined elements of perspective that indicate movement, and the little ‘Easter eggs’ included that acknowledge the ‘90s setting of the song. She reminded us of the many decisions an illustrator makes to ensure every character, line and colour choice in a picture book spread has earned its place! She spoke about always putting story first above design for its own sake. We’d have been satisfied with this one example alone for its many rich examples of the unique interplay of text and illustration in a quality picture book.
But we hadn’t shed enough tears yet. Briony went on to discuss her book These Little Feet, written by Hayley Rowsthorne. This book was initially to be a very simple board book, with cutesy baby feet images and minimal words for newborn gifting. However, as Briony began the project, she lost someone dear to her and the whole notion of birth, death, and the seasons of life took on new meaning for her. Serendipitously, the author had a similar experience. And so, the project evolved into an evocative exploration of intergenerational love highlighting a family of characters across the years as they grow, share, and each experience the arrival of little feet. The emotional response to Briony’s story and the stunning illustrations as we marvelled at them on the big screen was the biggest reminder yet of the absolute narrative power of picture books to bring joy, self-reflection and hope to our human experience.
Photos: Lara Cain Gray
Story: Lara Cain Gray
Book Links SoryArts Brisbane is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
