THE OAK THAT SPOKE
Written and illustrated by me.
Entered into the Batsford Prize 2026
This illustrated poem was made using paper-cutting techniques and assembled digitally using Photoshop. This project gave me a playground to experiment with traditional illustrating techniques, whilst also keeping the digital elements, which is something I enjoy the most. This poem follows a boy who believed the tree at the end of his garden was singing to him. On closer inspection, he realises that there is a range of different birds inhabiting the tree, all singing their beautiful birdsong.
Displayed on The Hayes in Cardiff city centre. Thanks to ForCardiff and The University of South Wales, specifically the illustration lecturers, for organising this window display.
This shines a spotlight on my favourite illustration from my story. I have made slight adjustments to the design to make it more fitting as a stand-alone illustration.
