The Lesley Batchelor Gallery in Ballan is holding an exhibition to showcase artworks that accompany the latest book by a Moorabool author.
Heather Anthony’s second book, Gnat’s Journey to Home, is being launched at the gallery on Saturday, April 22.
Instead of using regular illustrations to create the children’s book, Ms Anthony created three dimensional models, using mostly recycled materials, that were then photographed for the text.
The book took over three years to make and was photographed over seven months.
Paul Anthony painted the backdrops which include iconic Australian imagery such as the Glass House Mountains in QLD and the Wurrumbungles in
N.S.W.
Ms Anthony said local life is captured in the work, with many of the models named after Moorabool residents and community members, including a family from the local cafe, the local grocer, and her husband appearing as “Papa Ratzo”.
She also surveyed local primary school students from St Brigid’s Primary School, Napoleons Primary School, and Toolern Vale Primary where Ms Anthony used to teach.
The main advice she sought from the kids was about where and how they would hide food in their bedroom to get inspiration for one of the scenes.
From April 21 to 23, the exhibition will showcase the original models allowing guests to fully explore Gnat’s world.
Ms Anthony said she’s “very excited” to showcase her work.
“[Modeling] some of the scenes are really interesting problems to have that have created some really funny moments in the book,” she said.
“It’s a lot of fun, the world is too serious sometimes.”
Liam McNally
