Kim Gamble was born in Sydney. He moved around and worked in a variety of occupations before beginning at the age of 36 to illustrate stories for children. His first assignment was for the School Magazine (where he still works part-time 15 years later). It was there he met Anna Fienberg, with whom he has since produced more than twenty books, including The Magnificent Nose, the Tashi books, the Minton series and Joseph.
His interests include reading, music, gardens, walking, making things and painting. He has two girls, Arielle, born in 1986, and Greer, born 1990. Both love reading. He describes himself as fairly relaxed, loving, curious, grateful, a bit confused and often happy, especially when the pictures flow, and he thinks Odilon Redon and Marc Chagall are truly 'great artists'. He barracks for the Newcastle Knights.
How did you become an illustrator?
‘I've always loved drawing, both for its own sake and to get things out of my system. As the youngest of four, whenever I was angry because I wasn't getting my own way, I'd go into my room, take a sheet of paper and a pencil, fill the sky with jet planes and draw soldiers all over the ground. Then I'd attack them - zzzooomm BLAT! BOOM! BLAT! - with long fast lines and lots of squiggles. After ten minutes, the ground was a mess of destruction and I'd feel much better. I also drew flowers, when I couldn’t contain my happiness.’
What was your favourite book as a child?
‘Tove Jansson’s Moominsummer Madness.’
If you weren’t an illustrator what would you be?
‘A struggling artist.’
Where do you like to work?
‘I work at a table under a window looking out onto the garden or the sea, with jars and bowls, and bits and pieces for drawing, water-colours, an easel, and another table for oil or acrylic painting, a phone, a CD player, a sofa for visitors to sit on, bookshelves, and flowers. They are big rooms, full of light.’
What are the best and worst things about being an illustrator?
‘Best: reading the stories, getting the ideas. Worst: when it’s time for the pictures to go to the printer, and I haven’t finished them.’
Of all the books you have illustrated, which is your favourite?
‘I have two daughters. Which one is my favourite? I don’t understand the question.’
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