Illustrated Encyclopedia of Lighthouses in Ireland|Linda Fährlin|Gill Books
‘Find out what you enjoy drawing, and the joy will filter into your artwork.’— Linda Fährlin talks about her work as an illustrator
This encyclopaedia of Ireland’s lighthouses is packed with easy-to-digest facts which effortlessly engage young readers with topics such as science, engineering and history. Inside you will: discover how lighthouses are built, how they work, and how they save lives at sea; learn the meaning behind the different colours that lighthouses are painted; experience what it’s like to live and work in a lighthouse; discover which lighthouse you can visit and explore next, and test your knowledge with a lighthouse quiz.
What brought you to illustration?
Art and illustration were accessible to me as a child and I still remember looking at picture books with colourful illustrations that sometimes explained and sometimes surprised! I grew up in Stockholm, Sweden so I was surrounded by Astrid Lindgren’s books illustrated by Ilon Wikland. The books took you to new places with strange or funny characters, explained emotions or created a context to the self and the world we live in.
The books took you to new places with strange or funny characters, explained emotions or created a context to the self and the world we live in
In the summertime we used to visit my grandma in the countryside and as I stepped in, I was greeted with a hug, the scent of cinnamon rolls and oil paint. In the living room there were canvases filled with flowers from her garden and imagination. I can see how having access to art and children’s books early on in your life influences your world as an adult. I also think that I always saw the world in a very visual way infused with a lot of imagination, curiosity and the sense that anything is possible!
What is the most misunderstood thing about an illustrator’s role?
Being an illustrator comes with a lot of creative freedom but it also comes with many responsibilities. In many aspects an illustrator has to run the creative arts practice as a business, and this is not something that comes naturally to many artists or illustrators.
Sometimes, really tricky concepts can be illustrated with a simple illustration
Sometimes, really tricky concepts can be illustrated with a simple illustration and naturally, some people might think ‘that is so simple I could have done it.’ What might not be considered is that the illustrator has spent a lot of time developing their skills and gained years of experience to be able to reduce, refine and discuss complex topics in a simple way.
What do you love about your work?
There are so many aspects of illustration I enjoy. Working as an illustrator you are challenged to create worlds that haven’t existed before. As you do a lot of research into topics like nature, history, geography, people and reflection on the world we live in, you constantly learn new things which can inform your artwork.
Working as an illustrator you are challenged to create worlds that haven’t existed before
It is also nice to work with communities or school classes to guide them through the creative process to reflect on the world we live in—and for them to find their creative voices. Illustration can transform grey school yards to rainforests in the shape of murals, it can be used as a tool to bond groups, as they reach compromises and create together in visual arts projects. There is always a great sense of achievement among the children as you stand back and look at the project and reflect on the process and what has been created!
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?
Keep learning new things. Both technically and generally. You can learn things from everyone, you just have to find out what it is.
Do you think that illustrators – particularly of children’s books – are given enough credit?
Recently in Ireland, I think there have been strategic efforts and initiatives by the Government (through the Arts Council, Creative Ireland and other organisations like Children’s Books Ireland) to support artists through funding of professional development and art projects. It would be nice to see that support continue, as art is a reflection of a healthy society—and should be available to all age groups, including children.
Which illustrations are close to your heart?
I’ve recently finished the illustrations for The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Irish Lighthouses. As I love working with nature/marine/coastal themes, developing the illustrations for the book was really enjoyable.
I live on the north west coast of Ireland near the ocean, and I documented the light during different times, the interplay between water and light and reflections, the weather conditions and noted any sea birds I spotted. I find the ocean and salty water a very healthy and healing space for people. Illustrating the book has opened up many interesting conversations around lighthouses and the Atlantic ocean!
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming an illustrator?
Do a small business course—your time and skill is valuable! Draw a little every day. Find out what you enjoy drawing, and the joy will filter into your artwork.
Illustrated Encyclopedia of Lighthouses in Ireland|Linda Fährlin|Gill Books
