The Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday will include several well-known comics creators, including: Gene Luen Yang, Jorge Aguirre, Dave Roman, Matt Phelan, Gareth Hinds, George O'Connor and Penelope Bagieu. I believe most of them have spots in the program where they also will talk about their latest projects.
There will also be a comics-creating workshop for youths ages 12-18 at 11 a.m. hosted by local comics editor writer Jason Rodriguez, who will also have a table (KA-D) at the event.
Admission and parking are free.
Friday, May 15, 2015
May 18: Jorge Aguirre at Takoma Park library
Takoma Park Maryland Library
Monday, May 18, 7:30 p.m.
Join
us on Monday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. when artist Jorge Aguirre presents
his newest graphic novel for kids, "Dragons Beware!" The book, aimed at
ages 7-12, is a sequel to the popular "Giants Beware!" Politics &
Prose will be selling copies of Aguirre's books, but the program is free
and no purchase is required to attend.
Laura Lee Gulledge on her career and her graphic novel musical
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| (all images courtesy of LLG) |
Laura Lee Gulledge came out of nowhere in the comics field, and now has two successful young adult graphic novels out, and is turning one of them into a musical. She's returned to the area after a sojourn in the wilds of New York City and tells us about her methods and her new project, which has ten days left to go on Kickstarter.
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
I write & draw graphic novels geared towards young
adults, but I write them so they will also speak to adults as well. I feature
creative characters, introverted protagonists, emotionally resonant stories,
puns, and playful layouts.
How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a
combination?
I use pen & ink & paper to create my artwork. I
typically only use computer to add a layer of digital shading and then the
final lettering.
When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?
1979, boo-yeah!
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I actually live in NOVA, Woodbridge to be exact. I’ve
returned to the area after living in NYC for seven years. I originally grew up
between Manassas & Dumfries....aka: “Dumassas.” ;-)
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
I never took a class in cartooning or illustration, as
in school I was focused on becoming an art teacher. So I took fine art classes
like painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture. My cartooning was always
something ”just for fun” that I did growing up for myself, my friends, and the
school paper. Go figure that I never took it seriously, but I really didn’t
think I was was good enough to go anywhere with it.
Who are your influences?
As a kid: weekly comic strips, political cartoons, Jim
Henson, Disney films;
As an adult: Will Eisner, Craig Thompson, Alison Bechdel,
Maira Kalman.
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or
change?
Taking a marketing or business class in school sure would
have been helpful!
What work are you best-known for?
My debut graphic novel, Page by Paige! (It’s “a classic”
as my agent loves to say.)
What work are you most proud of?
The artwork I made while teaching as an art teacher in
Ghana back in 2007. Both the work I made myself as well as what the kids made.
It was a challenging & humbling experience, but the work that came out was
some of my most truthful & inspired.
You're working on a special project now - a musical based on a graphic novel. Oddly enough comics-based musicals were popular at the
beginning of the 20th century and seem to be having a resurgence now, as Fun Home's success shows. Can you
tell us about your musical Kickstarter project? How did it come about?
While I was working on my second graphic novel (Will
& Whit) I was also doing a bi-coastal collaboration with my songbird Artner
Lauren Larken. We were doing weekly cross-disciplinary prompts exploring themes
of mutual interest, a 6-month creative "Artnership" we had been wanting to do
since we first met in Brooklyn in 2008.
As Larken learned more about the characters I was working
on, she felt more and more inspired! Lyrics started pouring onto paper and we
decided to take out Artnership to the young adult musical level. After we
recruited a composer to write the songs and I wrote a script, we were able to
hold a debut production last summer at Ballibay performing arts camp in
Pennsylvania. It still blows my mind!
We’re holding a Kickstarter right now to help us take our
musical to the next level of development! It ends May 25th so please visit our
site: willandwhit.com
Your graphic novel has a supernatural element with
living shadows - how is that translating to the stage?
For a stage adaption of this magical-realism-style
imagery we will use shadow puppets (perhaps shadow sculpture), dancers dressed
in black, plus projected motion comics. The possibilities for the stage are
pretty broad, which is why I’m excited to see what ideas young people come up
with for how they want to tackle Will’s “living shadows.”
What else would you like to say about it?
My favorite part of the show is Hurricane Whitney (which
is what “Whit” refers to in the book title) which is the storm that blows into
town and knocks out the electricity. In the play the hurricane is personified
as a group of punk girls personified called “The Whitneys.” They invade the
show and lead the audience in an interactive body of sound hurricane before
intermission. It tickles me.
We also incorporate LED props & costume elements in
the show when the power goes out after the hurricane, since our protagonist
Will makes lamps. This adds a fun STEM (aka STEAM) element to our show, I loved
watching students learn how to make LED accessories & firefly lamps for the
set.
Comic book movies are ridiculously popular now - any
plans or hopes to adapt your work?
I could definitely see Will & Whit as a film, in my
dreams as a stop-motion animated musical. I see Page by Paige more as a
television show, mixing live action with animation. Some of the new stories
cooking in the back of my head do feel suited for film, but I’m in no hurry to
embark in that direction. (I figure I’ll master the transition to stage first
before wrapping my head around going to a screen!) ;-)
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
Right now I’m itching to hop back on my new book project,
which is an interactive sketchbook called How To Train Your Genius. It’s still
in the baby stages right now, but I’m very excited! It’s the book I was looking
for when I was a teacher, following in the footsteps of books like The Artist’s
Way, Drawing on the Right Side of The Brain, and What It Is.
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's
block?
Here are my tips for when you’re stuck, which is either
at the beginning or around the 80% point....
Getting started: My mantra is always, “Start with what
you know.” Start by making one decision, the ONE thing you know. Whether it’s one scene or a getting to know
one character or mixing up one color paint, just pick a place to start and go
one decision at a time.
Finishing: Take a break. If it’s art... look at it “new”
by looking at it upside down, in a mirror, or taking a photo of it. Trick your
subconscious brain into telling you what the art “needs” instead of clinging to
the idea of what your conscious mind thinks it “should” be. If you’re
writing....Put your script away for 3 months so you can forget about it. Then
come back and write out what your story is about in 2-3 sentences. Now reread your script with the core essence
of your story in mind.
What do you think will be the future of your field?
I think we will continue to experience an explosion of
new voices entering the field, telling stories reaching more diverse audiences
and bringing in fresh artistic influences.
Comics is a haven for creatives who do not fit in the old molds.
I also think comics will gain more acceptance in schools,
and will hopefully be embraced as a helpful educational tool, especially for
reluctant readers and ESL learners.
What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo,
Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?
In the area I enjoy SPX, Awesome Con, and Baltimore Comic
Con. Baltimore is probably my favorite show locally, non-locally my favorites
are TCAF in Toronto and Heroes Con in NC.
What's your favorite thing about DC?
The free museums!
Least favorite?
The TRAFFIC ugh.
What monument or museum do like to take visitors to?
National Gallery to visit all my old friends in picture
frames.
How about a favorite local restaurant?
Founding Farmers & District of Pi.
Do you have a website or blog?
Do you have a website or blog?
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Ryan Holmberg's latest manga article online
Blood Plants: Mizuki Shigeru, Kitaro, and the Japanese Blood Industry
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Cartoons and comics in the new Library of Congress Magazine
SUPERHEROES ON SCREEN
Erin Allen
Vol. 4 No. 3: May/June 2015 p. 2
online at http://www.loc.gov/lcm/pdf/LCM_2015_0506.pdf
Creating Cartoons: Art and Controversy; The Library's vast archive of cartoon art chronicles more than two centuries of political controversy.
BY SARA DUKE AND MARTHA KENNEDY
Library of Congress Magazine
Vol. 4 No. 3: May/June 2015 p. 8-11
Vol. 4 No. 3: May/June 2015 p. 8-11
online at http://www.loc.gov/lcm/pdf/LCM_2015_0506.pdf
Comedy in Comic Books: Popular comedians have joined the superhero crowd as stars of comic books over the years.
BY GEORGIA HIGLEY
Library of Congress Magazine
Vol. 4 No. 3: May/June 2015 p. 12-13
online at http://www.loc.gov/lcm/pdf/LCM_2015_0506.pdf
Comedy in Comic Books: Popular comedians have joined the superhero crowd as stars of comic books over the years.
BY GEORGIA HIGLEY
Library of Congress Magazine
Vol. 4 No. 3: May/June 2015 p. 12-13
online at http://www.loc.gov/lcm/pdf/LCM_2015_0506.pdf
KAL and Don Graham's Herblock talks online
Kevin Kallaugher: 2015 Prize Winner
May 12 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqE8bSvOFu8
Former Washington Post publisher specifically talks about Herblock's career and what he meant to the paper.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_Hv_1EsjJ8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqE8bSvOFu8
Former Washington Post publisher specifically talks about Herblock's career and what he meant to the paper.
Donald E. Graham: 2015 Lecturer
May 12 2015Linda Holmes on the Black Widow in the Avengers
Black Widow, Scarce Resources And High-Stakes Stories
Read this story
|
May 27: Animezing: The Princess and the Pilot
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| JICC, Embassy of Japan | 1150 18th St., NW | Suite 100 | Washington | DC | 20036 |
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Artley Print Among Arlington Special ED Fundraiser Auction
A print of one of my cartoons, "Doomed to Repeat," (2014) is among items to be auctioned in a fundraiser for Arlington Special Education PTA fundraiser. For whatever reason, instead of posting the JPEG of the item, they posted a mug of me online. Incredible. Just to make it clear... No, I am not being auctioned (not for less than a hundred bucks, anyway). The print is signed and matted.
For those of you who may not know, I am a 30-year seasoned, award-winning internationally syndicated editorial cartoonist working in the Washington DC area. My cartoons have been published in every major newspaper and news magazine nation-wide, as-well-as in online anthologies and books throughout the U.S. and Canada.
There are many other items up for auction on the site as well. So, bid and bid often.
Thanks,
Steve Artley
.
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Monday, May 11, 2015
'Drawing Power' cameo in 'The Layover'
Warren Bernard's Drawing Power: A Compendium of Cartoon Advertising 1870s-1940s makes a cameo in the first episode of Anthony Bourdain's TV travel show The Layover, which focuses on New York City. (See screenshot below).
May 16: Mike Hawthorne at Third Eye Comics
SATURDAY 5/16/15: DEATH OF DEADPOOL Signing with DEADPOOL artist MIKE HAWTHORNE
This Saturday, you can get a FREE Marvel #1 comic, AND get your Deadpool comics signed by the one and only MIKE HAWTHORNE!
Click here to get the full details on the event here!
May 13: Matt Phelan at Takoma Park library
Picture Book Creators Michelle Knudsen and Matt Phelan
Takoma Park Maryland Library
Wednesday, May 13, 7 p.m.
Author
Michelle Knudsen and illustrator Matt Phelan will read and discuss
their new picture book, "Marilyn's Monster," on Wednesday, May 13, at 7
p.m. In the book, aimed at ages 3-7, Knudsen and Phelan tell the story
of a little girl who grows impatient at being the only kid without a
monster and goes off in search of one to call her own. Politics &
Prose will sell copies of the book, but the event is free and no
purchase is required to attend.
Phelan's done some all-ages graphic novels which I recommend highly.
RIP Joel Kauffman, cartoonist turned Bible Museum designer
Pontius' Puddle creator Joel Kauffmann remembered for combining humor and faith
Kauffmann had recently taken a job with the Museum of the Bible in Washington.
Posted on May 8, 2015
http://www.elkharttruth.com/living/faith/2015/05/08/Pontius-Puddle-creator-Joel-Kauffmann-passes-away-at-64.html
Joel Kauffmann
Aug. 7, 1950 - May 8, 2015
http://www.elkharttruth.com/obituaries/2015/05/08/Joel-Kauffmann.html
May 12: Teresa Logan on stage
Teresa Logan writes in,
I'm onstage tomorrow night at the SPEAKEASY DC show, theme is COLOSSAL FAIL - I'm telling how I almost got on The Tonight Show. This is my first time onstage in the District! I've been doing storytelling shows here in NYC for a couple of years, and I love this art form.
Hope to see some of y'all there!
Details and tix: http://speakeasydc.com/events/item/colossal-fail
Teresa Roberts Logan
Laughing Redhead Studio
http://www.LaughingRedhead.com
comedy & cartoons
202.440.2651
I'm onstage tomorrow night at the SPEAKEASY DC show, theme is COLOSSAL FAIL - I'm telling how I almost got on The Tonight Show. This is my first time onstage in the District! I've been doing storytelling shows here in NYC for a couple of years, and I love this art form.
Hope to see some of y'all there!
Details and tix: http://speakeasydc.com/events/item/colossal-fail
Teresa Roberts Logan
Laughing Redhead Studio
http://www.LaughingRedhead.com
comedy & cartoons
202.440.2651
Comic Riffs on non-Muhammad cartoons
From 'SNL' to Politico, how American satirists are (not) drawing Muhammad
By Michael Cavna May 11 2015http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/05/11/from-snl-to-politico-how-american-satirists-are-not-drawing-muhammad/
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Matt Wuerker and Mike Kahn @ Lincoln Cottage 5/21
Political Cartoons and Freedom of Speech: Cottage Conversation featuring Mike Kahn and Matt Wuerker
Thursday, May 21, 6-7:30 pm
Mike Kahn, author of "'What Fools These Mortals Be!' The Story of Puck - America's First and Most Influential Magazine of Color Political Cartoons," examines the storied history of Puck magazine. Matt Wuerker, Editorial Cartoonist for Politico, will join Mr. Kahn for a dynamic conversation about the contemporary challenges to artistic freedom and protections of free speech in political cartoons.
Reception: 6:00 pm, Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center Lecture: 6:30 pm, President Lincoln's Cottage
Admission: $10 for the lecture and $10 for the reception. Free for Cottage members at the $250 level or above. To purchase tickets and RSVP, email Michelle Martz at MMartz@savingplaces.org or call 202-688-3735..
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Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Disaster Capitalism 2.0"
"Disaster Capitalism 2.0"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=1722
Why worry about the expenses of upgrading your fleet and complying with safety standards when you know you can wreck a town and get out of jail free -- y'know, like BP?
....and, here's the musical inspiration for this droppage:
The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, "Fire", 1968
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaHEusBG20c
___________________________________________________________
Mike Flugennock, flugennock at sinkers dot org
Political Cartoons: dubya dubya dubya dot sinkers dot org
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=1722
Why worry about the expenses of upgrading your fleet and complying with safety standards when you know you can wreck a town and get out of jail free -- y'know, like BP?
....and, here's the musical inspiration for this droppage:
The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, "Fire", 1968
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaHEusBG20c
___________________________________________________________
Mike Flugennock, flugennock at sinkers dot org
Political Cartoons: dubya dubya dubya dot sinkers dot org
Herblock Award photos online
Bruce Guthrie has put his Herblock Award photos online.
Herblock Prize: Kevin Kallaugher -- Presentation
Herblock Prize: Kevin Kallaugher -- Reception
Here's audio from KAL's speech, at least until the Herblock Foundation gets their video online.
Herblock Prize: Kevin Kallaugher -- Presentation
Herblock Prize: Kevin Kallaugher -- Reception
Here's audio from KAL's speech, at least until the Herblock Foundation gets their video online.
The Post's religion blog on the Avengers movie
Surprised by hope: Why Christians flocked to 'Avengers: Age of Ultron,' an atheist's film
By Aaron EarlsWashington Post Acts of Faith blog May 6 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/05/06/surprised-by-hope-why-christians-flocked-to-an-atheists-film/
Is the AFDI's Draw Muhammad contest erasing its own history?
A guest editorial by Kathy Mannix
Cartoon lovers may no longer be able to
access the slideshow of works submitted to the American Freedom Defense Initiative* Inaugural Draw Muhammad contest held May 3 in Garland, Tex., a
suburb of Dallas. The slideshow on Photobucket was easily accessed Wednesday,
May 6, when I checked out the wide-ranging talents of those who entered the
contest. By Friday, May 8, I couldn't access the slideshow. Visitors to the
AFDI site can still see the winning cartoon and click to view video of interviews by The United West* founder Tom Trento with attendees and graphic
novelist Bosch Faustin, the contest winner.
"Wide-ranging talent" may be a
tad too kind. As I remember my only view of the works, one was a scan of stick
figures on looseleaf paper, most were assemblages of stock images, and fewer
than five came from the drawing boards or computers of professional artists or
editorial cartoonists.
Still accessible online are the rules for
entering the contest. The rules are cartoonish on there own. Rule 5
includes, "AFDI will assume that all art entered for consideration does
not infringe upon the copyright of a third party. The artist shall assume all
liability if an infringement claim is made." It sure seems that the estate
of Norman Rockwell has an infringement claim for the event poster AFDI used at the event and has for sale from its site for $50. It doesn't seem within the realm of parody
to replace the triple image of Mr. Rockwell with a triple image of Muhammad.
There are parodies of Rockwell's work such as the Four Freedoms a-plenty, but
self-portraiture seems a category of its own.
Rule 6 has eight bullets, including the
penultimate, "The Entrant does not include any disparaging remarks
relating to the Sponsor or a third party." Are all cartoon contest
sponsors so thin-skinned?
Faustin's winning work shows the prophet,
scimitar raised, and bubble saying, "You can't draw me!" Outside the
plane of this image viewers see human hands at work on the drawing with a
second bubble saying, "That's why I draw you." This cartoon won both
the first prize of $10,000 and a bonus of $2,500 as a fan favorite. Reports of
that double win drew me to the ADFI site Wednesday. Faustin's competitors
included only one cartoonist whose work I know. An April blog post from that
cartoonist reads in part, "AFDI is
an anti-Muslim right-wing hate group that is intent on picking a fight
with whatever right-wing Muslim hate group will take their bait." That
Rule 6 infraction probably took this pro out of the running. I've reached out
to him for comments on entering the contest, and await his reply.
*The Southern Poverty Law Center designates both AFDI and TUW as hate
groups.
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