Treeshape with Trace Balla

Date: Thursday 28 May, 10am – 10:45am (AEST)

Students will have the opportunity to hear Trace read from her thought-provoking graphic novel, Treeshape, discuss her creative process, and ask questions about her work and advocacy.

This session is an opportunity to start conversations with students about being advocates for issues they are passionate about, explore nature journalling and consider how we can better connect with Country.

We are delighted to bring digital events into the classroom which help grow civically-minded young people who care for each other and the world around them.

Treeshape

An extraordinary, inspiring, and hope-filled graphic novel from the multi-award-winning creator of Rivertimes, Rockhopping, Landing with Wings, and Leaf-light, Trace Balla's stunning memoir reveals her personal and life-changing experiences of place, her understanding of the natural world and her relationship with Country.

'Ever since I was a kid my favourite place has always been up a tree – where everything I notice feels like a part of me. Every birdsong, every leaf's light, every butterfly's dance...'

This beautiful book tells the story of young Trace's awakening to the preciousness of the environment, including her participation in the protests against uranium mining at Jabiluka in the 1980s. Channelling her gift for visual storytelling, Trace reveals emotional truths, shares her commitment to environmental activism, highlights trees that have been meaningful in her life, and explores her deep appreciation of place and connection with First Nations peoples.

About Trace Balla

Trace lives on Djaara Country, South-Eastern Australia. Her ancestors come from Hungary, England, and France – from them she has inherited a love of dance and artistic creativity. Trace loves to rise at dawn, especially in late winter when it's frosty, and walk up hills above the fog line to marvel at the dawn light and early spring flowers. She creates graphic novels and children's books about connecting with Country and community. A self-described 'story catcher,' she finds inspiration in nature and incorporates local plant and animal species into her detailed, cartoon-style drawings.

Explore Trace's website.