Sunshine coast illustrator brings book to life
SUNSHINE Coast illustrator Paul O’Sullivan has once again teamed up with a leading Australian author to bring a compelling new story to life.
Mr O’Sullivan is the illustrator behind The Photographer, an evocative new picture book written by Mark Rafidi and published through Brisbane-based publisher Hawkeye.
Mr Rafidi, a former doctoral student at the University of the Sunshine Coast and author of The Salt Runs Through (2024) and On the Shoulder of Giants, draws inspiration from his family’s experience of fleeing the Yugoslavian war and rebuilding their lives in Australia.
The Photographer explores themes of displacement, survival, and the moral complexities of war, asking readers to consider the unseen consequences of conflict.
Known for his intricate, steampunk-inspired artwork, Paul has previously collaborated with celebrated writer Gary Crew on titles including The Visions of Ichabod X and The Eva Carmichael Story: The Wreck of the Loch Ard. His illustrations in The Photographer follow the journey of a young boy navigating the chaos of war—a boy who gradually becomes “the photographer” himself, seeing the world through the lens of trauma and observation.
The layered, symbolic imagery invites readers to look deeper, offering narratives that will resonate with both children and adults. “These are illustrations you can spend hours exploring,” said Paul O’Sullivan, who believes the story will particularly engage readers from Year 5 upwards.
A local book launch for The Photographer will be held on Friday, November 7, at Glasshouse Christian College Performing Arts Centre (58 Roberts Road) from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Paul will discuss his creative process and the art of traditional illustration in a digital world, joined in conversation by Gary Crew. All are welcome to attend, with light refreshments provided.
