Maike Neuendorff
Silent Book: Il Giardino dei Sogni - The Dream Garden

Children's Publishing

Commissioned | Professional

Why did you make this work:
The idea to the picture book 'Il Giardino dei Sogni'/'The Dream Garden' was born when I discovered a garden wall with a cat flap in my (then) London neighbourhood. It is the story of two young boys who follow their cat into a magic garden. I developed the project during my MA Illustration Course at Camberwell College of Arts. A refined version became a finalist in the Silent Book Contest 2019.

How was the illustration used:
The illustrations are double-page spreads of the picture book 'Il Giardino dei Sogni'. Being a 'Silent Book', these illustrations tell the story without the use of any additional written words. Therefore the book can be enjoyed all over the world no matter which language you speak.

How did you make this work:
Having worked as a landscape architect for many years I am particularly intrigued by the beauty of plants and gardens and anything nature. And I have this sense for spaces. Also being a mother contributed to my artwork. It all has to do with observation and imagination. All artwork is created by hand on paper using various media. The computer is used for collage and finishing touches.

Commissioner Name :
Patrizia Zerbi, Editorial Director of Carthusia Edizioni, Milan, Italy
Commissioner Company :
Carthusia Edizioni, Milan, Italy

Social Media:
instagram.com/maikeneuendorff_illustration

Personal Website:
maikeneuendorff.com

College:
Camberwell College of Arts


Currently Based:
Germany

Biography:
Maike Neuendorff is an illustrator and author from Germany who worked as a landscape architect for many years. While living in London for ten years she studied MA Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts. Her work is inspired by nature and gardens and anything alive. Now back in Germany she creates editorial illustrations for newspapers and magazines and works on children’s book projects.

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