Set up in honour of Walker’s founder, Sebastian Walker, this award is dedicated to discovering and celebrating exciting new unpublished illustration talent. The Sebastian Walker Award was created in 2011 and is partnered with Anglia Ruskin’s Cambridge School of Art and their MA course in Children’s Book Illustration. Walker Books has published more than 20 books by Cambridge School of Art graduates since Birgitta Sif’s Greenaway Medal shortlisted Oliver in 2012, and continue to work with many previous award winners and shortlistees.
Deirdre McDermott, Walker Picture Book Publisher and Creative Director said:“We were completely compelled by Al Rodin’s bold and characterful artwork. His painterly style captivated us immediately because he combines highly expressive brush work with real energy to create pictures that excite and entice with their fluidity and motion. With a keen eye for movement and gesture, Al creates truly inclusive artwork that we are positive children everywhere will respond to and enjoy greatly. We look forward to seeing his first picture books and believe that he will grow into an important and original contemporary picture book maker.”
Mirabel Cecil, Author said: "I know that my brother, Sebastian Walker, who founded Walker Books nearly four decades ago, would have been incredibly proud of his company as it exists today – maintaining its independence and continuing to publish vibrant and relevant picture books for children everywhere. Walker Books remains the same generous and inclusive company as it was when it was originally conceived by Sebastian, and which is reflected in their giving this award in his memory to an outstanding student at the Cambridge School of Art.”
About Al Rodin:
“I am inspired by an ever-growing gang of artists and writers including William Kentridge, Ben Shahn, Chaim Soutine and Dylan Thomas. The Bash Street Kids, Calvin and Hobbes, and Winnie-the-Pooh have also been major influences.
"I like to make stories that playfully explore the experience of childhood, particularly through character driven narratives that focus on relationships and feelings from the perspective of a child.
"I also love to collaborate on interesting projects and I am always keen to learn from, and share ideas with creative and thoughtful people.
"Last year I was a UK winner in The Worldwide Picture Book Illustration Competition, and recently I was honoured to be selected for the Illustrators Exhibition at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2019.”
Find out more and see a showcase of the 2019 graduates’ work
The MA graduates run an exhibition at the Candid Gallery in London Exhibition until Saturday 16th February 2019 (10.00 - 18.00)