Bido Lito!

For this illustration, I created a piece for The Final Say section of Bido Lito! magazine (Issue 106/December 2019).

In the article, writer and artist in residence at Chester Literature Festival, Imtiaz Dharker, praises the connective power of words. It’s also accompanied by Dharker’s poem, titled The Right Word, from which the illustration is inspired by.

In the poem (seen below), Dharker contemplates on the meanings that can be derived from different words, beginning with the word ‘terrorist’. The most prominent image in the poem for me, and also what I felt embodied the crux of its message, was the image of a child “just outside the door, lost in the shadows.” Hence, the reason why I incorporated the image into the illustration alongside the portrait of Imtiaz Dharker.  

The Right Word

Outside the door,
lurking in the shadows,
is a terrorist.

Is that the wrong description?
Outside that door,
taking shelter in the shadows,
is a freedom fighter.

I haven’t got this right.
Outside, waiting in the shadows,
is a hostile militant.

Are words no more
than waving, wavering flags?
Outside your door,
watchful in the shadows,
is a guerrilla warrior

God help me.
Outside, defying every shadow,
stands a martyr.
I saw his face.

No words can help me now.
Just outside the door,
lost in shadows,
is a child who looks like mine.

One word for you.
Outside my door,
his hand too steady,
his eyes too hard
is a boy who looks like your son, too.

I open the door.
Come in, I say.
Come in and eat with us.

The child steps in
and carefully, at my door,
takes off his shoes.

Imagining The Future

I was commissioned by Bido Lito! to create an illustration for an article, titled Imagining The Future, in their Lockdown Zine. In the piece, writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce discusses the importance of imagination and creativity for when the world begins to rebuild post-Covid-19.

Red Rum Club

For this illustration, I was commissioned by Bido Lito! to illustrate an interview with the band Red Rum Club.

“Stepping out as working class, hometown heroes, Red Rum Club have planted their flag at the highest peak of the Sefton Sierra.”

All We Are

I was commissioned by Bido Lito! to illustrate a quote from the band All We Are, for the magazine’s End of Year Journal. The vivid colours and foliage represent the band’s aesthetic