HOMETOWN is a 144-page illustrated story about a girl forced to question her identity by the arrival of an unexpected visitor, and my first long-form graphic novel since The Arrival (2006). It will be published in English and other languages in late September 2026, through Allen & Unwin (Australia), Levine Querido (US) and Walker Studio / Walker Books (UK). Below are some preliminary sketches and paintings I’ve been developing since 2017, with more artwork and commentary to follow closer to the release date - stay tuned!
‘Mother’, final book illustration for Hometown, watercolour, coloured pencil and pen, 28 x 35cm, 2024
Early sketches for ‘Hometown’, pen, A4, 2018
‘Form library: nymphs’, one of many sketchbook pages playing with organic forms inspired by microscopic life.
One of my earliest concept sketches for ‘Hometown’, with a much younger protagonist, pen, 10 x 15cm, 2017
‘Friends’, preliminary sketch for Hometown, pencil, 15 x 10cm, 2022
‘Anguish’, preliminary line drawing, ink pen on paper, 2024
‘Father’, preliminary sketch, pencil, 15 x 20cm, 2023
‘Neighbourhood’, preliminary sketch for a title page, pencil, A4, 2022
‘Solitude’, final illustration, watercolour, coloured pencil and pen, 28 x 35cm, 2024