Frané Lessac is an award winning artist, illustrator and author of children’s books, (inc. The Greatest Liar on Earth). In 2010 she was awarded The Muriel Barwell Award for Distinguished Service to Children’s Literature. Frané is also a National Year of Reading Ambassador for Western Australia.
My Book Corner is delighted to present our interview with Frané for you to enjoy …
Tell us about you in 25 words or less.
My work has led me on many adventures in numerous countries. Travelling continues to be a major source of inspiration for my art and writing.
What makes you happy?
My (grown up) children. Spending times with my best friends who live all over the world. My dog Rusty. Swimming in the Caribbean Sea.
You have been to, and lived in, some amazing places. Is there any where left that you’ve always wanted to visit, but haven’t made it to … yet? Yemen. I would love to meet the people and see the amazing architecture…. although, I’m not sure how safe it would be to travel there at the moment.
Where is your favourite place to write?
In my studio surrounded by mementos from my travels, family photos and books. Bright flowers grow outside the studio windows and the walls are adorned with art painted by my friends. Best of all, my cat and dog come in and keep me company when I’m writing and painting.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
Free education for all children, rich and poor, male and female, in every single country around the world. I would like to live in a world where everyone, young and old, could read and write.
What’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
Levar Burton, the actor who plays Geordi in Star Trek, lives in the world of his celluloid character. Over dinner he once asked me in a very serious manner, “what planet are you from?” My answer was boringly, “Earth”.
Who or what inspires you?
Children’s art – I love the naivety, the spontaneity and the playfulness.
What is your worst habit?
Procrastination.
Your favourite word(s) and why?
Ishkabbible . Love the way sounds. It’s a Yiddish word that was used by my grandparents when I was a child.
Tell us about your next project in 25 words or less.
“The Drummer Boy of John John”, Inspired by Winston “Spree” Simon, at the age of seven he was a drummer in a steelpan group. He made ‘noise’ by playing melodies on empty biscuit containers during Carnival celebrations.
Just for fun
Tea or coffee? Cup of tea first thing in the morning and then coffee all day long to keep me going.
Paper books or e-books? Both.
Vegemite or Marmite? Yuk, disgusting stuff. Reminds me of kaka.
Write or type? Type, even though I’m only a two finger typist.
Poetry or prose? Poetry, closest art form to painting and music .
Beach or bush? Beach. I need to live in sight of water: ocean, river or lake.
Hot or cold? Hot Hot hot. I grew up where winters reached subzero temperatures and disliked every millisecond of cold…(apart from snowball fights).
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