I’ve always loved creating.<\/p>\n
When I moved to Bendigo at the beginning of 2023 with a prep-aged child and a new baby, I was looking for something to get me out of the house.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s when I found the Friends of the Botanic Gardens Illustrators Group.<\/p>\n
I\u2019d always loved the intricate, delicate and almost photographic quality of botanical illustration and I was intrigued to give it a go.<\/p>\n
How would you describe your style?<\/strong><\/p>\n I’m still finding my style in botanical illustration, but I\u2019d describe it as detailed, experimental and patient.<\/p>\n I’ve realised over the past two years that you can\u2019t rush this type of illustration.<\/p>\n I’m always experimenting with new mediums, so I’m constantly developing and redeveloping my style.<\/p>\n Which other illustrators inspire you?<\/strong><\/p>\n I’ve always loved children’s book illustrations and I’m often drawn to a beautiful illustration before I even read the story.<\/p>\n I absolutely love the whimsical and strange illustrations of Shaun Tan and even had a chance to meet him at university.<\/p>\n Recently I’ve found and adore the illustrations of Australians Trace Balla and Hannah Somerville.<\/p>\n When it comes to botanical illustration, I’m inspired by my friends in the illustrators group.<\/p>\n There\u2019s such a wealth of experience in the room.<\/p>\n What are some highlights you have from your time as an illustrator so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n My fondest memories have been with the illustrators group at the Botanic Gardens.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a room full of contradictions – collaboration and solitude, quiet and vibrant discussion.<\/p>\n When my family moved to Bendigo I was quite isolated to begin with.<\/p>\n This group were my first real friends.<\/p>\n They were accepting and welcoming and eager to share with me and have become like a second family to me.<\/p>\n Although I’m very proud of having my work on display at The Capital Theatre and Eaglehawk Courthouse, my highlights are with my friends, creating and sharing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How can people check out your work online?<\/strong><\/p>\n I have an Instagram account for my artwork and other creative pursuits.<\/p>\n I’m actually a Theatre Studies\/Drama teacher by trade, so there are also some set design and prop creations on there along with my illustrations. Handle is emilyuntwan_creates<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2025\/04\/03.04.2025_08.34.48_REC.png?_t=1743629743\")