The Story of the Fallen Cone

The output is a collection of eight prints (each 20 x 30cm), which is the outcome of practice-based research into printmaking processes – particularly etching – and expanding the potential of children’s book illustration by combining etching with colour. The output expands traditional printmaking methods and materials, in particular dry point etching. Everitt was keen to retain drawing through etching as the primary mode for children’s book illustration. The research was conducted over a period of nine months between January and September 2017. The prints combine multiple techniques, including drypoint etching, monoprint, watercolour and drawing. They were made to accompany a short story for children that was written by the New Zealand author Vibhusha Delamore. Titled The Story of the Fallen Cone, this story is aimed at young children (ages 3 to 7) and tells of a pinecone who encounters various animals within a forest, including a crow, a small bug and a hedgehog, and reflects on the meaning of its life through these interactions. The story explores aspects of ecology, origin, growth, nature and life cycles, identity, belonging and interpersonal relations.