Local artist and children’s author, Anna Yum, highlights the everyday moments and heroic abilities in each and every one of us in her new book, “Everyday Superhero.” Written as a kind of therapy, the book is a lesson for children to accept themselves for who they are and celebrate their own unique qualities. We caught up with Anna before her book launch and exhibition at The Print Bar.
Can you give us a brief summary of what Everyday Superhero is about?
Everyday Superhero follows two characters, Rosie and Meeko, as they discover what it means to be an Everyday Superhero. The narrative focuses on the things we do everyday that makes a difference in your life and the lives of those around you.
What are the main themes and messages the book covers?
The book teaches kids that they are more than good enough just as they are. The way they care for their friends, the way they are brave when trying new things and the way they make mistakes… kids need to hear these messages to help them build their self esteem and realize they don’t need to change for people to like them.
Do you think we don’t celebrate the everyday moments enough?
Yes! And it is so hard to just stop, physically and cognitively, and realize how wonderful we have it. There are so many distractions, demands and stresses in our everyday lives, most of them telling us that who we are needs to change to fit with what is required.
What is your typical creative process and in the case of Everyday Superhero, did the visuals or story come to you first?
I have two little inspirations in my house, my daughters Genevieve and Imogen. So the characters in Everyday Superhero are a combination of their personality traits as well as the things they like to imagine they are. And this is a very typical way that my creative process takes shape. People and things around me inspire me; I look for colour, pattern, textures, personalities, feelings…all trigger ideas that make their way into my journals and can surface in artworks.
What artists inspire your work?
I studied bachelor of arts/education, so my background has always been in the visual arts. Rachel Whiteread was my first inspiration and she would cast the negative space around chairs, so you are left with a presence of a chair. This has always played a roll in my art concept developing- what impression are we leaving based on what we do and who we are. We have the ability to have a strong impact on those around us. Good and bad. Other artists I get inspiration from Beci Orpin, Lisa Congdon and Lauren Childs. All these artist use of colours, texture, pattern and material always inspires me.
What type of children’s book do you wish you read as a child?
I watch my daughters read all those fairy/princess stories and I never remember reading those stories as a child. I don’t know if it is because I was a tomboy and grew up with two brothers where the matchbox cars definitely out numbered the barbie dolls, but I don’t ever remember imagining those stories to be true. Don’t get me wrong, my imagination got a work out with great books like James and Giant Peach and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
How do you find juggling being a mother and an artist?
I know that most people like to brag about how wonderful their kids are, but I swear my two are the cream of the crop! And they love being involved with any projects I am working on. They are well used to hearing me say “I have an idea for a workshop, do you gals want to have a go?”. And there is never a “No thanks mum” to that one! But in all seriousness, I would never have thought I could be running my own business, write and illustrate a children’s book and keep things all running at home with a young family. I think my kids and my hubby have helped to give me a balanced outlook on life, they have boosted my confidence and believed in me. Go team YUM!
What’s next for Anna Yum?
Well HQ is currently being renovated, so a lot of time and energy has been spent project managing this space. But once that is complete, art classes from 1 year olds to adults will be up and running. I am launching my book at Avid reader in the September holidays with loads of workshops for kids and a special one for adults too. And I am working on my next children’s book, following on from Everyday Superhero. I can feel a lot of creative juice flowing at the moment!
