Curiosity, Storytelling & the Australian Landscape
Artist • Illustrator • Author
Katrina hill
A portfolio introducing the creative journey behind What’s That Seed?
The Joy of Asking “What’s That?”
Curiosity has always been at the heart of both my art and my life. I believe our greatest discoveries begin with a simple question: “What’s that?” Whether we’re children noticing a curious seed on a footpath or adults rediscovering the natural world we’ve hurried past for years, wonder has the power to reconnect us with our surroundings and with each other.
As I researched and illustrated What’s That Seed?, I found myself learning alongside the story—asking questions, seeking answers from botanists and growers, and becoming increasingly fascinated by the remarkable relationships between Australia’s native plants, animals and landscapes. That experience reminded me that learning doesn’t end in childhood; it simply changes shape.
Through my artwork and storytelling, I hope to inspire children and the adults who share these books with them to slow down, look a little closer, ask more questions, and embrace the joy of asking questions, discovering together, and not always knowing the answer.
My Story
I’ve spent my life exploring ideas through creativity.
Growing up in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, I was surrounded by bushland, wildlife and a community that nurtured artistic expression.
Drawing quickly became my favourite way of understanding the world around5 me. That curiosity led me through animation, illustration, fine art and design, each chapter adding another layer to the way I observe, create and tell stories.
Today, I continue that journey from my Brisbane studio, where I divide my time between painting, illustration and developing stories that celebrate Australia’s remarkable natural environment.
The Inspiration Behind What’s That Seed?
The inspiration for What’s That Seed? grew from both personal experience and quiet observation.
After the loss of my mother, I found myself returning to the natural world in a way I never had before. She had studied horticulture, worked with clay, and shared a deep appreciation for creativity and the Australian landscape. As I spent more time noticing the seeds, leaves and wildlife around me, I realised how little I truly knew—and how exciting it was to begin learning.
That journey became the foundation of this book.
Rather than simply teaching children the names of seeds, I wanted to celebrate curiosity itself and encourage families to discover the answers together.
Introducing What's That Seed?
One shiny seed.
Two curious children.
A journey of discovery through Australia's native bush.
When Molly and Ted find a mysterious seed, they ask the animals they meet if anyone knows what it is. Along the way they discover that asking questions, observing carefully and learning together can be just as rewarding as finding the answer.
Designed for children aged 3–8 years, What's That Seed? combines engaging storytelling with beautifully illustrated Australian flora and fauna to encourage curiosity, environmental awareness and a lifelong love of nature.
Meet Molly & Ted.
Molly and Ted represent the curiosity that exists in all of us.
They don't begin their journey with knowledge.
They begin with a question.
Through their eyes, readers are invited to slow down, observe closely and discover that learning is an adventure shared with the natural world around us.
Selected Illustrations
Each illustration is carefully researched to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Australia's native plants and wildlife.
My aim is to create artwork that children can return to again and again—discovering new details with every reading while encouraging meaningful conversations between generations.
Previous Published Work.
Alongside my fine art and illustration practice,
I've previously illustrated the children's book
Charlie the Bin Truck Driver.
That experience strengthened my passion for visual storytelling and inspired me to begin creating books that I could both write and illustrate.