When I first started learning digital illustration, I had one clear goal: to create a picture book for my baby niece. What began as a simple project, however, unexpectedly rekindled a long-dormant passion for drawing, storytelling, and creating characters.
Before long, a whole world of fairies began to emerge.
The characters are shaped by my childhood favourites, from Rainbow Brite and Sailor Moon to May Gibbs' gumnut babies and Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies.
Most meaningfully, however, Fairy Blossoms has given me the opportunity to combine my illustrations with original botanical artwork by my nan, Pat Kerrison.
As a child, I'd watch Nan drawing native flowers in a bright, sunny room in Hobart. She brought these delicate, often-overlooked plants to life for fieldguides, capturing every detail with patience and care.
To a child watching, it felt like she was revealing a hidden world.
Drawing on memories of paper dolls, handwritten letters, and playing in the garden, Fairy Blossoms is designed to spark imagination, play and a deeper appreciation for Australia's remarkable flora.
At its heart is a simple idea: the most magical things are often the easiest to miss. Like tiny native blossoms - or even fairies - they only reveal themselves when we pause, look closely, and remember how to see them.
Sarah Traynor
Founder and illustrator
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