Artist Interview: Annie Booker, Batsford Prize 2022 – People’s Choice Award Winner
Next up in our Batsford Prize Artist Interview series! Annie Booker, winner of the People’s Choice Award this year, presents her piece The Great Bear.
Annie’s silent narrative is inspired by an Inuit folktale and the real Beaufort sea polar bear- a species needing our help to preserve it with its population at less that 400 individuals. Polar bears are vital to the arctic and the symbiotic relationships within. Having studied Illustration BA (Hons) at the University of the West of England and settled in Bristol, we chatted to Annie about her work and what winning the Batsford Prize means to her.
Hi Annie! What was your piece about? Can you tell us what initially influenced it and what it means to you?
My silent narrative The Great Bear was initially influenced by the Southern Beaufort sea polar bear, a population of polar bears in Alaska that is in decline. Turned whimsical and combined with themes of overfishing the great bear is a message to all about our relationship with nature, and what happens when man is greedy. The conservation of species and environments is an issue very close to my heart, so I poured all my passion into this tale.
What mediums or materials did you decide to use, and why?
I am an analogue illustrator as much as possible. A detailed pencil sketch was the base of this image, then an additional layer of watercolour and ink – on separate sheets of paper! I had to work quite digitally in lockdown, which didn’t go to plan, so the minute I had a pencil back in my hand my visual style appeared.
What made you want to study illustration?
From a young age I loved to draw and paint, I wasn’t aware of illustration as such, I just liked to visualise the creatures and characters I was fascinated by. My Aunty was also a wildlife painter, and she spent much time, gently nurturing my interest and sharing her love of nature with me, this shaped me a lot as an individual and is definitely why I feel the need to share my passion of nature with others. The natural world has always pushed me to be creative, as it is my way of showing people the wonder and awe I see in wildlife. And as a very shy child, I found courage and happiness in literature and stories, so illustration found me quite naturally. Illustration combines the beauty and accessibility of visuals with the empathy that the written word teaches us to create something perfectly didactic.
What are your biggest artistic inspirations? Are there other artists who you admire or who inspire you?
I draw a lot of inspiration from other illustrators, and authors (Philip Pullman, Neil Gaiman, Maggie Stiefvater, Michael Morpurgo, Tolkien), such as Jim Kay, Shaun Tan, Levi Pinfold, Alan Lee and Chris Wormell. I could tell you endlessly why I love each of their works, but at the bottom of it, it’s the expressive detail in their work and analogue process. My foundation tutor Paul Taylor, as a creative, was also a huge inspiration, he showed me illustration and encouraged my every endeavour.
How would you describe your style? Would you say that it has changed over time?
Like most things my style has developed over time, I have struggled with trying to change it, which I discovered is like trying to change yourself, when I had thought I needed to be more commercial and digital. However, I have always loved sketching. Pencil work is something I have always done, and now I really utilise that skill. Creating bold yet sensitive work, my realistic and expressive style is no doubt an extension of my own character and personality, and a pencil will forever be my medium of choice.
What does winning the Batsford Prize People’s Choice Award mean to you?
Winning the Batsford people’s choice was really wonderful, I can’t tell you the motivation it gave me leading up to it, and the gratitude I felt from everyone who voted, it’s a very different experience when people like your work and aren’t obliged too. It sounds silly, but it gave me a confidence boost, and for once a felt I could make it as an illustrator. But even if I didn’t win, to just be in the running, would have been an honour.
After you have completed your studies, what do you see yourself doing next?
The plan now… it’s a tough one, probably the same plan as most new graduates, I’m going to keep the ball rolling, use my exit velocity to create more work and opportunities. Bristol is my home now, so within the area and London I want to begin to establish myself as an illustrator within the publishing sector. I will begin to build all these important relationships with other creatives, associations, companies and clients. But most importantly I want to continue to learn, and advocate for the environment – there will never be a time where the planet doesn’t need a spokesperson, and I will be her visual translator.
You can find out more about Annie’s work on her online university showcase and follow her on Instagram.
The Batsford Prize is an annual award open for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the fields of applied art and textiles, fine art and illustration. View the winners and runners up of this year’s award here. The theme for the Batsford Prize 2023 will be revealed shortly…
Keep an eye out for more Batsford Prize Artist Interviews as we continue; meeting Applied Art & Textiles winner Grace Faichnie, Fine Art winner Nelson and Children’s Illustration winner Justin Worsley.
Last week we chatted with Wuon Gean Ho, winner of the Illustration award – you can read her Q&A here.
