Winner and Shortlist Announced for the 2013 Storylines Gavin Bishop Award

Wellington artist Patrick McDonald has been announced as the winner of the 2013 Storylines Gavin Bishop Award. This award aims to encourage the publication of new and exciting high-quality picture books from New Zealand illustrators. In response to his win Patrick said, “To win this award was a great surprise and an encouraging start to my first year in the industry having just completed my honours degree. The focus of my final year of study was children’s illustration and this is an excellent opportunity to put what I have learned to use." The award judges found Patrick’s illustrations “sensitive and with a depth of feeling that lifted them above a number of other entries showing a similar technical excellence”. In addition to a $1500 monetary prize, Patrick will receive mentoring and support from Gavin Bishop, and may also receive an offer of publication by Random House New Zealand, who are the proud sponsors of this award. In order to be considered for the award each entrant was required to submit a storyboard, a page of rough drawings and two pieces of finished art designed to accompany a new story written by Kyle Mewburn. Gavin Bishop commented, “After the disappointing submissions for this award in 2011, it was a joy to see the large number of excellent entries this year.” “It was an easy task to fill the six shortlisted places but it was very difficult to single out one artist to be the winner. Any of the six on the shortlist could have taken first place, and I am sure, gone on to illustrate a complete picture book in a competent and professional way.” “Many of the entries this year came from tertiary institutions where illustration courses are offered. The work reflects a high standard of teaching and if this award continues to be supported by these teachers, it will go from strength to strength. The future of children’s picture book art in New Zealand is in very good hands.” Check out Patricks winning entry here: Patrick McDonald, Wellington The other entrants shortlisted for the award were: Christian Carruthers, Lyttelton Siobhan Clark, Wellington Sarah Harmon, Wellington Stephanie Junovich, Auckland Matt Katz, Wellington "To know that there were such strong contenders for the Storylines Gavin Bishop Award for Illustrators, is most encouraging and bodes well for the quality of picture book illustration in New Zealand," says Dr Libby Limbrick, chairperson of Storylines Children's Literature Charitable Trust of New Zealand. "Storylines is immensely grateful to Random House sponsoring this award, and in doing so making a substantive contribution to children's literature in New Zealand."  Te Tai Tamariki Children’s Literature Preservation Trust in Christchurch is planning a touring exhibition to celebrate the work from this year’s award. As with the previous Gavin Bishop Award exhibition in 2009, groups of primary, secondary and tertiary students as well as the general public will have the opportunity to see the work of these talented artists.