In the realm of children’s literature and art, Sandra Morris stands out as a remarkable talent whose illustrations have brought countless stories to life. Through her intricate, accurate illustrations, particularly focusing on flora and fauna, she has helped shape the way children perceive and engage with the written word. In light of Sandra’s outstanding achievement of being awarded Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services as an illustrator and in education, Ruth Oy Har Agnew gives us a rundown of her life and accomplishments.
Sandra Morris discovered her passion for art as a child growing up in the Waikato, and pursued her creative endeavors with unwavering dedication, gaining a BFA from Elam School of Fine Art, then taking a position as an art editor and illustrator for School Publica. She returned to Elam for an MFA, then gained a Post Graduate Diploma in Plant and Wildlife illustration at the University of Newcastle, NSW. While at Elam she completed her first picture book, One Lonely Kākāpō, winner of the Russell Clark Award for illustration in 1992. Following this first successful foray into children’s book illustrating, she moved to Dunedin to write and illustrate Discovering New Zealand Birds, which was a finalist in both the Aim Children’s Book Awards and the Non-Fiction LIANZA awards.
Her collaborations with renowned authors such as Joy Cowley and Beverley Dunlop have produced numerous beloved children’s books. Morris’s illustrations effortlessly enhance the narratives, transporting young readers to magical worlds, ancient realms, or even ordinary settings with a touch of whimsy. Her ability to understand and empathise with the emotions and experiences of young readers is reflected in the authenticity and relatability of her illustrations.
Morris’s illustrations exude a sense of liveliness and charm that resonates with readers of all ages.
One of Sandra Morris’s artistic trademarks is her mastery of the watercolor medium. Through her skilled use of this delicate technique, she imbues her illustrations with a sense of movement and life. The blending of colours and the interplay of light and shadow in her works create a sense of depth and atmosphere rarely seen in children’s book illustrations.
Her watercolor illustrations often evoke a nostalgic charm, evoking memories of childhood innocence and the joy of discovery. Whether she is portraying anthropomorphic animals, mythical creatures, or ordinary children on everyday adventures, Morris’s illustrations exude a sense of liveliness and charm that resonates with readers of all ages.
Morris’s works have garnered critical acclaim and have been exhibited in galleries and museums internationally. Her illustrations continue to grace the pages of numerous children’s books, enriching the reading experiences of countless young minds. A passionate supporter of education at all life stages, Morris has also encouraged and empowered emerging artists in institutions such as Massey University College of Creative Arts, Auckland University Continuing Education and currently at Selwyn Community Education in Auckland and Community Education Whanganui. Morris continues her work in both children’s book publishing and teaching children’s book illustration, and botanical illustration. In 2003, she established the Sandra Morris Illustration Agency to promote and champion Aotearoa’s established and emerging illustrators.
Through her stunning watercolor illustrations, she has transported generations of readers into enchanting worlds, sparking their imaginations and fostering a love for literature.
Morris’s immense talent and dedication to her craft have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of her contributions to the world of children’s literature and art, she was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM). This prestigious honor acknowledges her outstanding services to children’s book illustration and her significant impact on the cultural landscape of New Zealand and beyond. Sandra Morris ONZM has rightfully earned her place as a luminary in the realm of children’s
book illustration and art. Through her stunning watercolor illustrations, she has transported generations of readers into enchanting worlds, sparking their imaginations and fostering a love for literature. Morris’s ability to capture the essence of a story and translate it into visual magic is a testament to her remarkable talent and dedication.
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Illustrations for School Journals, Dept. of Education, 1974-87
- The Dolphin Boy by Beverley Dunlop, illustrator, Sandra Morris (Hodder & Stoughton, 1982)
- Feet by Joy Cowley, illustrator, Sandra Morris (Shortland Publications, 1983)
- The Kingfisher and The White-faced Heron with photos by Geoff Moon (Heinemann, 1985)
- The Bay by Ron Bacon, illustrator, Sandra Morris (Ashton Scholastic, 1987)
- The Garden Year by Jonathan Spade, illustrator, Sandra Morris (Reed Methuen, 1988)
- In My Bed by Ron Bacon, illustrator, Sandra Morris (Shortland Publications, 1988)
- The Nest, (Land’s End Publishing, 1996)
- Pōhutukawa (Reed Publishing NZ, 2000)
- Godwit’s Journey (Reed Publishing, 2005)
- Sensational Survivors: New Zealand’s Remarkable Wildlife, (Walker Books Australia, 2010)
- One Lonely Kākāpō (republished by New Holland Publishers, 2012)
- Discovering New Zealand Birds (republished by New Holland Publishers, 2013)
- A New Zealand Nature Journal (Walker Books Australia, 2014)
- Welcome to New Zealand: A Nature Journal (Candlewick, USA, 2015)
- Discovering New Zealand Trees (New Holland Publishers, 2015)
- North & South (Walker Books Australia, 2021)
AWARDS
- 1992 Russell Clark Award for illustrations: One Lonely Kākāpō [reprinted in 2021]
- 1995 Professional Development Award (QE11 Arts) for study in Australia
- 1995 Finalist in Russell Clark Award for illustrations: Discovering New Zealand Birds
- 1995 Finalist AIM Children’s Book Awards for Non-Fiction: Discovering New Zealand Birds
- 2003 Shared award for Excellence in Educational Publishing, Australia (Primary literacy and numeracy series)
- 2006 Lecturer of the Year Award, Massey College of Creative Arts, Massey University, Albany
- 2011 Finalist NZ Post Children’s Book Awards for Non-Fiction: Sensational Survivors
- 2011 Finalist for LIANZA Non-Fiction Award: Sensational Survivors
- 2011 Storylines Notable Book: Sensational Survivors
- 2013 Visiting artist position for 6 weeks at Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa
- 2015 Welcome to New Zealand: A Nature Journal (Candlewick, USA) selected for 2016 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 list. USA
- 2015 Finalist NZ Children’s Book Awards for Non-Fiction: A New Zealand Nature Journal
- 2015 Finalist for LIANZA Non-Fiction Award: A New Zealand Nature Journal
- 2015 Storylines Notable Book: A New Zealand Nature Journal
- 2016 Welcome to New Zealand: A Nature Journal selected for Bank St College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year List, USA
- 2016 Welcome to New Zealand: A Nature Journal winner of the Riverby Award, USA
- 2021 Finalist in the NZCYA Elsie Locke Award for Non-Fiction: North & South
Ruth Oy Har Agnew
Ruth is a writer and teacher of Chinese and Pākehā descent from Ōtautahi Christchurch. She has written for Theatreview, The Press, Stuff, Flat Takahe, What’s Up Christchurch, and the Playmarket Annual. She is an experienced actor, and currently works supporting young performers as a speech and drama teacher.