Book Launch/Exhibition: How to Make a Bird

How to make a bird cover image

How to make a bird“, Meg McKinlay’s sublime, poetic text has just been released into the world. Due to the closed WA borders I was unable to attend the launch at the Fremantle Literature Centre in October, but witnessed the thoughtful and entertaining event opened by fellow illustrator Frane Lessac.

“How to make a bird” continues its journey out into the world via an insightful exhibition at The Painted Word – Books & Art in the northern rivers, NSW. The exhibition includes original workings, editorial notes and correspondence by Meg, along with my original sketches, roughs and final artwork.

Local artists Lisa Tiffen, Katherine Castle and Tina Wilson have also created artworks inspired by the book.

The Uki Primary School, under the guidance of librarian Jo Spiller, responded to the book via their own art, creating a colourful, meaningful display that reflects upon the books inherent message of creativity. The exhibition runs until the end of December at the M|Arts Precinct, Murwillumbah. Limited edition prints are available in the store or online via the shop on my website.

Exhibition – Orange Regional Gallery

As part of mental health month, the Orange Regional Gallery exhibited the original artworks from Part 1 of my upcoming project, The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness.

The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness is a large-scale multi-modal project weaving the worlds of literature, music, performance and visual art together in the story of one boy’s journey into mental illness. The final work consists of a book, designed for young adults and adults, featuring around 70 artworks, along with a 50 minute orchestral work.

The inaugural exhibition showcased the first 27 original oil paintings and mixed media works and was curated by Margrete Lamond of Dirt Lane Press. Audiences were also given a sneak preview of the music to accompany the book, soon to be recorded live with the Bro Philharmonic Orchestra and the Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno in the Czech Republic in October, 2019.

Exhibition in Iran

Metamorphosis - oil painting by Matt Ottley

I was recently invited by the Iranian Illustrator’s Society and the Children’s Book Council of Iran to exhibit my work in Iran as part of an exhibition titled “Peace Should be learned in Childhood”. This exhibition is being held in Tehran on September 21, the International Day of Peace.

The artwork I have submitted is from my upcoming multi-modal project, The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness, to be published by Dirt Lane Press.

Book Release & Exhibition: Mrs Millie’s Painting

Mrs Millie's Painting - a classic children's picture book, written and illustrated by Matt Ottley

I am excited to re-release my newly designed classic children’s picture book Mrs Millie’s Painting through One Tentacle Publishing.

I have a very soft spot for Mrs Millie as her story reminds me of growing up in Papua New Guinea as a child.

An exhibition of the original artworks from the book are on display at The Literature Centre in Fremantle, WA, alongside these fabulous books: Jandamarra (Mark Greenwood & Terry Denton), The Dam (David Almond & Levi Pinfold), Missing Marvin (Sue de Gennaro) and Queen Celine (Matt Shanks).

Limited edition prints are also available from my website.

One Tentacle Publishing – Exhibition

Children's picture books and fine art books by One Tentacle Publishing

As part of the 2019 Murwillumbah Arts Trail One Tentacle Publishing was delighted to set up a pop-up exhibition at Carol’s Place.

Featuring original artworks, prints and books available from myself, Tina Wilson (illustrator/author) and Lisa Tiffen (illustrator/author), it was a fantastic week of making new connections and sharing our love of art and picture books.

A huge thank you to Carol Robinson for sharing her beautiful space with us.

One Tentacle Publishing: Frights Book Launch

One Tentacle Publishing recently launched author/illustrator Lisa Tiffen’s fourth book FRIGHTS.

It was an exciting four day event as we were part of the Murwillumbah Arts Trail. Our One Tentacle Pop-up Gallery at Carol’s Place was buzzing with visitors and we enjoyed talking about and selling books and art and meeting new people.

It was a pleasure to be part of the Murwillumbah Arts Trail event and a lot of fun exhibiting artworks alongside Carol Robinson from Carol’s Place. The gallery was filled with so much laughter, music and crazy dancing! (despite Frights hiding everywhere).

Exhibition: The Incredible Freedom Machines

Limited Edition Art Print by Matt Ottley from "The Incredible Freedom Machines"

My latest picture book collaboration is with the fabulously talented author and performer Kirli Saunders. The Incredible Freedom Machines is a poetic story about one young girl’s search for freedom and the liberating power of literature.

An exhibition of my original oil paintings from The Incredible Freedom Machines is currently on display at The Literature Centre (TLC) in Fremantle, alongside Shaun Tan’s Cicada, The All New Must Have Orange 430 by Michael Speechley and That Christmas Feeling by Lili Wilkinson and Amanda Francey.

The exhibition runs until the end of Term 4. Contact TLC for opening days and times. Limited edition prints are available from my website

You can purchase a signed copy of the book from my website or any major bookstore.