Thao Lam is known for her awe-inspiring textured paper collages. She is a widely celebrated author/illustrator whose books – Wallpaper and The Paper Boat: A Refugee Story – have been recognized by the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award. Lam’s latest endeavour, Everybelly (Groundwood Books, out now), is a celebration of every belly and every body.  

Lam gave Q&Q a behind-the-scenes look into her process and shared how inspiration has taken on an entirely new form.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Thao Lam: Kevin Wong; Photos: Madison Mak.