I am an illustrator and author, living in Bristol, UK.
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My illustrations are handmade with traditional mediums. They are playful, bold and expressive, much like myself!

​​I studied theatre at university, specialising in acting. I love to tell stories and bring characters to life both on the stage and on the page. 

I have enjoyed making things for as long as I can remember and I have used my creativity to explore all manner of the arts. I believe in time-honoured skills and traditions, and I consider it a privilege to help keep them alive.

Constructing a collage is much like piecing together a puzzle. The technique I prefer to use can be described as 'drawing with scissors,' a phrase that is often associated with work by Henri Matisse (1869-1954), and I am pleased to follow in such mighty footsteps.

After conceptualising with some rough pencil sketches, a palette is chosen, papers are painted and the shapes are cut by hand, adjusted as need be, before gluing down.

If my work resonates with you, let's connect.

You can see what I am currently working on by clicking the link below.

​© Liesl Vanderkley 2026
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