Ledden-Lewis wins 2019 Kestin Indigenous Illustrator Award

27 March 2019 Books+Publishing

Bundjalung artist Charmaine Ledden-Lewis has won Magabala Books’ 2019 Kestin Indigenous Illustrator Award.

A freelance artist based in Blackheath, NSW, Ledden-Lewis receives $10,000, a mentorship and the opportunity to illustrate Bruce Pascoe’s first children’s picture book.

The judges of this year’s award were author-illustrators Sally Morgan, Bronwyn Bancroft and Ann James, and Magabala publisher Rachel Bin Salleh, who also awarded highly commended acknowledgements to Belle Martin, Bobbi-Lee Hille, Kyara Fernando and Veronica Spittles.

‘We’re excited to work with Charmaine as her spreads are visually stunning, creating a “wow” moment for all judges,’ said Bin Salleh.

‘I’m deeply humbled and grateful to be embarking on a venture of learning and collaboration with such a well-respected author as Bruce Pascoe, and for the industry experience and career guidance I will gain with the Magabala publishing team,’ said Ledden-Lewis. ‘Mostly, I am delighted to be presented with the opportunity to make my family proud and share this journey with my sons, who love art and books as much as I do.’

Founded in 2017 and funded by the Kestin Family Foundation, the biennial award expands Magabala’s program of professional development opportunities for Indigenous authors and illustrators. The inaugural award was won by Yolngu artist Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr, who illustrated Sally Morgan’s picture book Little Bird’s Day, which is releasing in April.

(Pictured: sample illustration by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis)

Category: Awards Junior Local news