The Project

This project’s aim is to publish my children's book ‘I Wish’ and help cover costs related to the book launch that will be at Courthouse Youth Arts at the end of May. I first started this book during a self directed subject in 3rd year of my Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design course at Australian Catholic University in early 2015. My class and lecturer provided feedback throughout the book’s development and I presented a final version. I now regard that final version as the prototype and have since developed the book, pushing my imagination further. 

Courthouse Youth Arts has invited me to exhibit in late May. I’m planning for the book to inspire the whole exhibition. In addition to displaying the book itself there will also be related illustrations, interactive elements, and opportunities for the audience to use their senses. Part of the support would go towards ensuring the paintings can be presented at a gallery standard and to help my creative ideas for the viewer, come to life. 

Follow the books development and find more of my work at...
https://www.instagram.com/artbymichelleclarke/

https://www.facebook.com/artbymichelleclarke/

More About ‘I Wish'

‘I Wish’ is a children's book that celebrates and encourages creativity and the viewer's imagination.  A young girl is seen as the main character who lives out a collection of wishes. 

A lot of the book is inspired by my childhood wishes and nature. I’d like the reader to picture themselves experiencing each wish, leading them to thoughts of their own wishes and dreams. I think it’s really important to nurture the imagination of children. Creative thinking, working collaboratively and independent thinking are life skills, that should be valued highly.

What happens next?

If this project was supported and successful, I would be able to focus on getting the book in multiple bookstores and work towards doing workshops around imagination and creativity at different primary schools. I have previously done a workshop with (what is now) the prototype book, with preps at a local Primary School. It was exciting to see the targeted age group enjoying the book and responding positively as a group and individually. It was also rewarding to see how ‘I Wish’ inspired the children to create really imaginative artworks during the workshop. 

The funds I am receiving for this project will be enough to cover: 

• Printing the book with Print Solutions who I have used many times and had the prototype version printed with. $2,000 
• Exhibition costs including, install and interactive aspects totalling $455
• Cost of rewards and Pozible fees $245

• Finishing the book along with all other work for the exhibition in the time frame given. Taking into account the coordination and time of, painting, printing, framing, installing and gaining assistance. 
• Finding and sourcing all elements for the interactive ideas for the exhibition. Including, finding the best and most cost effective options. 
• Personal challenge of wearing multiple hats at the same time, being the, illustrator, author, marketing director and curator. 
• Approaching and getting my book stocked in different book stores.