A Wee Blether With...

Kate Leiper, artist and illustrator of children’s books

How did you get into illustration work?

I studied fine art, specialising in printmaking, but I got interested in how stories are told through narrative in imagery. I really liked the early Italian renaissance painters like Piero della Francesca who used art to tell a story.

There’s a running theme of mythology in your illustrations – is this a passion of yours?

Yes! I love selkie stories and old Scottish mythology. There are loads of different legends, but one I love is the old belief that selkies or seals are drowned souls of fishermen. I wonder sometimes if these stories protected people in years gone by and gave them comfort.

How did you get involved with the Illustrated Treasury Of Scottish Castle Legends?

I got the Treasury series through a contact at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. I was really lucky. I do sometimes feel a bit of a fraud – I know some people have done a degree in illustration but it was just right place right time for me.

How long does it take you to illustrate one of the Treasury books?

It’s a good year-long project – from planning to final illustration. One of the biggest challenges is keeping your energy levels up. It’s important to make sure you’re not zapped half way through it!

What’s your next project?

I illustrated a picture book by Karine Polwart called A Wee Bird Was Watching, and we’re doing another picture book called Queen Of The Birds. Lots more bird characters to come! Do you use different techniques for the different genres?

Yes, there’s a big difference. In picture books the illustrations have more

responsibility for carrying the narrative. For the Treasury, though, the words are doing a lot of the description so I’ll look for an element that perhaps hasn’t been described – illustrations should add to the words, not repeat them.

You’re appearing at A Write Highland Hoolie again this year – what are you planning?

I’m going to visit Mallaig High School to speak to art students, which is exciting. I’ll go in with a presentation and ideas of what to talk about, but I want to be directed by what they’re interested in. I’m looking forward to it!

How was your first Hoolie last year?

It was brilliant! There’s something really nice about festivals with events that don’t overlap. It means you can see each other’s sessions. You get the opportunity to meet and chat with other authors and visitors.

What is it that puts Hoolie on the map as a book festival?

You don’t seem to get that same sense of community anywhere else. At the Hoolie you’re eating your meals together, you’re all staying in the same place and you really gel over the weekend.

Is there any event in particular that you’re planning on going to?

If it’s anything like last year, I’ll go and see them all! It’s always good to see a writer you know quite well, but it’s especially interesting to see new authors and get inspired by new ideas.

Kate will be appearing at this year’s A Write Highland Hoolie in Mallaig, November 8-10. Find out more at www.a-write-highland-hoolie.com