Pamela Lofts facts for kids
Pamela Lofts (born August 9, 1949 – died July 4, 2012), also known as Pam Lofts, was an Australian artist. She was famous for illustrating children's books. Pam lived in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia. Many people remember her for illustrating classic Australian children's books. These include Wombat Stew by Marcia Vaughan and Koala Lou by Mem Fox.
About Pamela Lofts
Pamela Lofts was one of two children. Her parents were Dorothy and Rory Lofts.
She first moved to Alice Springs in 1980. At that time, there wasn't much modern art happening there. So, in 1993, Pam and four other local artists started a special art group. It was called Watch This Space. Pam became its very first leader.
During the 1980s, Pam illustrated some of Australia's most loved children's books. One of these was Marcia Vaughan's Wombat Stew in 1985. This book has been translated into many languages. It even inspired road safety posters for kids in New South Wales. Wombat Stew was also voted the most popular book in the KOALA Hall of Fame children's book awards. It received 13 nominations!
Pam also worked closely with children's author Mem Fox. She illustrated Koala Lou, Hunwick's Egg, and Sail Away: The Ballad of Skip and Nell.
Pam Lofts was also a very successful artist. She created drawings, paintings, and performance art. She had 27 solo art shows across Australia between 1992 and 2002. She also showed her work in almost 70 group exhibitions. This included four Togart Contemporary Art Award shows. In 2002, she was a visiting artist at the Australian National University. Her artwork is kept in the collection at the Araluen Arts Centre.
Pam Lofts passed away on July 4, 2012. She had been bravely battling a serious illness called Motor Neurone Disease for two years.
Books Illustrated by Pamela Lofts
Here are some of the books Pamela Lofts helped create:
- How the birds got their colours told by Mary Albert (1983) - compiled by
- How the kangaroos got their tails told by George Mung Mung Lirrmiyarri (1983) - compiled by
- Dunbi the owl told by Daisy Utemorrah (1983) - compiled by
- The echidna and the shade tree told by Mona Green (1984) - retold and illustrated by
- When the snake bites the sun told by David Mowaljarlai (1984) - compiled by
- Warnayarra the Rainbow Snake : an Aboriginal story told by the Senior Boys Class, Lajamanu School (1987) - compiled by
- The kangaroo and the porpoise : an Aboriginal story told by Agnes Lippo (1987) - compiled by
- The bat and the crocodile : an Aboriginal story told by Jacko Dolumyu and Hector Jandany (1987) - compiled by
Pamela Lofts' Lasting Impact
After she passed away, Pam Lofts left a gift to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. This foundation helps Indigenous children learn to read and write. The money comes from the sales of her books. This gift has already helped create books like The Yirara Mix Book.
The Watch This Space art group holds annual "Lofty Awards." These awards celebrate people who have made a big difference to the arts in Alice Springs. They are named after Pamela Lofts to remember her important contributions.
