Tricia Oktober
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ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
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Tricia Oktober is an Australian artist whose work has been exhibited around the world: in Paris in 1974, Quebec City Summer Festival 1975-1979 all the way through to Leura 1993-2004 and Botanica 2000-2005, 2007, 2008. She has worked as an Author-Illustrator on 25 books for children, mostly on Australian Flora and fauna and environment. She has had solo exhibitions in Europe, America and Australia and her work is also in private collections on all 3 of these continents.
Tricia has been awarded the Royal Zoological Whitley Award (6 times), the Environmental Award 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, the UNESCO Award, Best Illustrator - Children’s Books 1992 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wilderness Society 2004. Her painting of paper daisies was featured as a postcard for Botanica 2004 and her Haemanthus coccineus was used for the Friends’ 2005 Christmas Card.
Tricia Oktober was raised in the freedom of Australias outback, spending her days communing with nature, and for as long as she can remember, has taken that inspiration and turned it into art. A renowned illustrator, artist and author, Trishs life hasnt always been easy, failing at three marriages and losing two children in infancy, the tragedy of which eventually tore her third marriage apart. A few years ago, she rediscovered her childhood happiness in the form of a garden paradise in the Blue Mountains, where she has surrounded herself with flowers from all over the world, many of which have become the subjects of watercolours that grace her books and local art galleries.
As one of Australias most renowned children’s book author and illustrators, Tricia Oktober has written and created the illustrations for over 19 works of literature and is renowned for her drawings of Australian flora and fauna. Her books have depicted bush, forest, reef and wetland environments. Her most notable books include: Wetlands, Bushfire, Bush Secrets, Reef, Bush Babies and Out of Nowhere.
A children's book illustrator, Tricia Oktober is renowned for her drawings of Australian flora and fauna. Her books have depicted bush, forest, reef and wetland environments. A Dictionary of Women Artists of Australia (1991) edited by Max Germaine describes her as a 'Surrealist painter, self-taught.' In the 1970s she exhibited in Australia, Canada and France. Oktober has lived in the Blue Mountains.
Bush Party Tricia Oktober , Tricia Oktober (illustrator), Sydney : Hodder and Stoughton , 1986 picture book children's
Drought Tricia Oktober , Tricia Oktober (illustrator), Rydalmere : Hodder Headline , 1997 picture book children's
Bush Walk Tricia Oktober , Tricia Oktober (illustrator), Sydney : Hodder and Stoughton , 1992 picture book children's
Bush Baby Tricia Oktober , Sydney : Hodder and Stoughton , 1988 picture book children's
ONYO
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The Pose-Perfect Primate Who Struck a Pose and a New Life!
In March 2013, a tiny, wide-eyed orangutan named Onyo became one of International Animal Rescue’s youngest new arrivals. Believed to be between one and 18 months old at the time, Onyo was found in the care of a man who had kept him for seven months, feeding him only rice and milk. The man claimed he found the baby at the base of a tree after seeing the mother “run away”—a claim considered highly improbable. Orangutan mothers are fiercely protective and never abandon their babies, suggesting Onyo’s mother likely met a tragic fate during his capture.
Upon rescue, Onyo displayed remarkable composure. He was healthy apart from a few dry skin lesions and even allowed health checks without sedation. Soon after completing his quarantine at IAR’s Ketapang centre, he joined the baby group at Sungai Awan, where he quickly developed a reputation for his charm, cheekiness, and love of the camera. Playful and energetic, Onyo enjoyed shaking tree branches, striking photogenic poses, and exploring a diet far better suited to his species.
Onyo adapted quickly to baby school life, making friends like Amin and Tribun, and learning from more ‘forest-savvy’ orangutans. His sweet temperament, strong climbing skills, and independent streak made him a perfect candidate for rehabilitation. With continued training in forest school, Onyo is on the path to a future in the wild—one snap-worthy step at a time.
