Meet the Artist: Sarah Capon

Sarah  is one of this year’s creators exhibiting at the annual Book Links StoryArts Exhibition held every year at the Richard Randal Art Studio, a glorious purpose built art space, set in the grounds of the  Mt Coot-Tha Botanical Gardens.

This year’s theme is Behind the Picture Book.

Dates are:  Friday 10 April – opening night 5pm – until Sunday 19

Sarah Capon is an award-winning artist, illustrator and animator, based in Brisbane, who specialises in creating intricate layered paper illustrations, using pieces of paper cut perfectly into shape and layering them together. She won CBCA Book of the Award for New Illustrators for Grow Big, Little Seed. She focuses on vibrant and idyllic scenes usually involving landscapes, people and/or animals. She is one of six innovative creators who will have their work on display and for sale at the 2026 Book Links Exhibition: StoryArt – Behind the Picture Books

When did you realise you wanted to be an artist? I don’t believe there was a moment that I didn’t want to be an artist, it was always in my mind as the dream! As I grew older, I ebbed and flowed between believing in that dream and thinking about my options in the creative industry. After studying product design, and then working in graphic design and animation, I started making art for myself again in 2020,and since then I’ve been a full-time illustrator.

What were your favourite illustrations/illustrator as a child? I remember looking over every detail in books illustrated by Shirley Barber, and the Animalia books by Graeme Base. My favourite picture books were about dogs though – like Hairy Maclary and Spot!

What do you see as your role when working with a writer on a picture book? My role is to add more depth to the story through my illustrations and creating something that children will love to look at while they’re being read to. Particularly in Grow Big, Little Seed, the sensitive subject matter (that involves loss, grief, and ultimately hope) was shown visually rather than said within the words of the story. Bec did a wonderful job telling the story in a child friendly way, and needed me to convey the subtext visually while keeping it as warm and safe as possible.

When writing and illustrating your own work what comes first – words, images, characters? I’m a very visual thinker, so everything comes to me as images first, and then I find the right words later.

What is your preferred medium to work in? After years of working only digitally in graphic design and animation, I found myself wanting to create something that I could hold in my hands when I was done. That’s when I started layering paper together, and using mixed media to make my work. My favourite thing about using cut paper is the inherent texture and depth/shadows you get as you layer it up. Even though paper is my favourite, I love trying all sorts of mediums – from painting, lead light windows, and ceramics, to 3D modelling and 3D printing, I want to try everything!

Where do you go when you need inspiration? If I’m searching for inspiration I will look everywhere. You could find me wandering galleries, walking on nature tracks, looking through vintage landscape photography books, scrolling online, or drawing aimlessly in my sketchbook.

How would you describe your art style? I’d describe my style as full of texture, vibrant colours, and soft shape language. I focus on joyful moments, calming scenes, and the feeling of home in my personal work. My publisher at Hardie Grant for ‘Grow Big, Little Seed’ said my art style ‘makes her feel safe’ which is such a special compliment.

Where and when and how do you work? I usually work in my home studio, with my dog by my side! Sometimes if I’m designing my next piece, which I do digitally, I will take my ipad with me and enjoy being outside!

Is there an iconic children’s work that you would like to illustrate? I would love to illustrate Hairy Maclary in my own way for fun! Designing all those different dogs he meets would be wonderful.

Is/are there artist/s working today that you admire? Of course, there are so many, I couldn’t name them all! To name a few off the top of my head: Beatrice Blue, Dani Diez, Leigh Ellexson, Sophie McPike, Sha’an D’Anthes, Mark Conlan, Catriona Drummond. These are artists doing all sorts of projects, like commercial illustration, art directing animated shows, making great picture books, creating art for art’s sake, and sharing art content on YouTube/Instagram. I love that artists are able to find stable incomes in different ways.

Can you tell us something about the pieces that you are going to exhibit at the Richard Randall Art Studio? I’m bringing a selection of originals that celebrate colour, joy, and texture! Seeing the works up close really let the details and physical depth come to life in a way that photos can’t quite capture. I’m excited for people to experience the pieces in person and hopefully find one that makes them smile or brightens their space!

Sarah’s artwork will be on sale at the exhibition so be sure to come and visit, you never know what treasures you may find.