Somerset West resident, Liezl Russell has self-published her debut children’s book Bart’s Art, after a five-year journey of writing, illustrating and self-discovery. The book, aimed at children up to eight years old, tells the story of a street cat with a creative flair, inspired by the art galleries and feline residents of Clarence in the Free State.
“The initial idea sparked during a visit to Clarence with my dad and sister,” the 42-year-old author related. “The town is brimming with art galleries, and we noticed so many cats lounging around. I envisioned a cat in an art gallery, but the story evolved, and Bart became a sort of ‘Banksy’ figure in his community.”
Russell’s vision for the illustrations was clear, but her initial attempts revealed a need for further training. “I illustrated a few pages and really enjoyed it. But I soon realised I needed to hone my skills. I enrolled in a short course with renowned children’s book illustrator, Samantha van Riet, and she gave me the confidence to pursue it.”
A pivotal moment in the book’s development came when she interviewed an art therapist working with street children. “I assumed their artwork would reflect their hardships. But the therapist told me that the most resilient children, those most likely to overcome their circumstances, painted the lives they wanted. That lesson resonated deeply. It’s so easy to dwell on challenges and hardships, but there’s power in focusing on the good, the hopeful, the things that keep us moving forward.”
This message became particularly poignant for Russell during the book’s creation. “My husband experienced two retrenchments after Covid,” she said. “We sold our home and moved three times in four years. It was a period of immense uncertainty, but the book’s message became my own source of strength.”
The dancers will not only compete’s background in writing is extensive, having worked as a journalist for a Pretoria community newspaper, a health editor for a prominent women’s magazine, and a freelance writer for national publications. Russell worked as a copywriter for a marketing company in Somerset West.
“I’ve wanted to be a journalist since school,” she said. “But my mom always encouraged me to write children’s books. And I’ve truly discovered a passion for it, especially illustrating.”
Russell was working on her second book, about a swallow that finds itself in an unlikely location. “Hopefully, this one won’t take five years,” she laughs. “But I learnt so much during this process that I expect it to go much more smoothly.”
Bart’s Art is available from the Somerset West Library and can also be ordered directly from Russell on 074 147 6344 or at russell.liezl@gmail.com.
WIN! WIN! WIN!
Two lucky DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette readers have the chance to win a copy of Bart’s Art. Simply send an email with your name, surname, contact number and a short motivation to jamey.gordon@medi24.com by 12:00 on Friday (21 February).
