Category Archives: Illustration

May 3, 2013 · 9:07 pm

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013: EMI GENNIS

Emi Gennis has edited a wonderful anthology about mysteries, urban legends and unsolved crimes, UNKNOWN ORGINS & UNTIMELY ENDS, published by Hic & Hoc Publications, and you can read my review HERE. Now, I had planned on interviewing Emi ever since my review! And so I can kick myself for not working my video camera properly. I think Emi and I had just hit upon something miraculous while in conversation and now I can’t recall the exact details. I think we were on the verge of discovering an easy way to time travel but we didn’t bother to take notes! Ah, well. But, then again, isn’t reading comics the best way ever to time travel? Forget your flux capacitors and travel back in time with some good comics. Emi has a couple of mini-comics that follow the themes from her anthology: one is a true crime story while the other has a steampunk vibe to it.

“The Unusual Death of Gregory Biggs” by Emi Gennis

“The Unusual Death of Gregory Biggs” is a very neatly presented 5.5″ x 8.5″ 12-page mini. Artwork is strong. Story is told in a compelling way. It’s not your usual CSI type of crime story either! Only $2.

“Unfortunate Mishaps in Aviation History” by Emi Gennis

“Unfortuante Mishaps in Aviation History” is another beautifully rendered mini. I really like this format. And Emi has a way with capturing facial expressions and being mindful of details: clothing, perspective, architecture. It demonstrates a high skill level and a love for the comics medium.

Well, again, I feel bad that we missed the video portion to this post but there’s always next time. I look forward to seeing more of Emi’s work and she should definitely submit her work everywhere she can, including that most engaging publication, THE STRUMPET.

Visit Emi at her website HERE.

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Filed under Anthologies, Art, Comics, Illustration, Portland, Stumptown Comics Fest

Tagged as alternative comics, Anthologies, Art, aviation, comics, comics anthology, Comix, Entertainment, Illustration, Independent Comics, Portland, transportation

May 2, 2013 · 3:48 am

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013: ROBIN HA

Robin Ha and Ellen Lindner are two very distinct cartoonists who happen to have a lot in common. For one thing, they are neighbors, as their art studios are next door to each other. They also share a certain cosmopolitan sensibility. This led Robin to contribute to the anthology that Ellen co-edits, THE STRUMPET.

We talk about THE STRUMPET and Robin’s work in general. You can view a sample of Robin’s work, as well as Ellen’s, from THE STRUMPET, in the previous post.

Robin Ha’s work has a delicate ethereal quality balanced by a wry and worldly vibe. Her latest project is a webcomic about a haunted vintage dress, THE RED DRESS. You can keep up with it HERE.

And you can keep up with Robin’s work HERE.

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Filed under Alternative Comics, Comics, Illustration, Independent Comics, Portland, Robin Ha, Stumptown Comics Fest, The Strumpet, Webcomics

Tagged as Art, comic books, comics, Comix, Illustration, Independent Comics, Portland, webcomics, Women Studies

May 1, 2013 · 11:43 pm

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013 Review: THE STRUMPET #2

THE STRUMPET #2 Cover by Jeremy Day

What’s THE STRUMPET about, you ask? Well, it is a collection of comics showcasing female cartoonists. It follows in the footsteps of WHORES OF MENSA, an anthology that set the bar high on quality. Not only that, it brings together new talent from around the world. THE STRUMPET #3 is in the works and is currently seeking submissions with a deadline of September 1, 2013. Visit THE STRUMPET website HERE.

Let’s place our attention squarely upon the current issue, THE STRUMPET #2. It is edited by the multi-talented Ellen Lindner and Jeremy Day. All the cartoonist talent here bring together a cohesive and compelling collection with a travel theme in mind. What does travel mean to you? When was the last time you were on a trip? Just a few hours ago at your desk at work whilst you daydreamed? My word, did you think there was only one way to travel?? If you did, then catch yourself please because you’re due for an adventure and an education. Let the ladies from THE STRUMPET encourage, engage, and entertain you on all manner of thought and conjecture regarding the subject of travel.

This collection is 21 cartoonists strong: Patrice Aggs, Rachael Ball, Badaude, Juhyun Choi, Marguerite Dabaie, Jeremy Day, Shamisa Debroey, Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg, Karrie Fransman, Robin Ha, J Homersham, Kripa Joshi, Emily Ryan Lerner, Ellen Lindner, Tanya Meditzky, Kat Roberts, Alison Sampson, Maartje Schalkx, Julia Scheele, Nicola Streeten, and Myfanwy Tristram.

Did I miss anyone? Well, I certainly hope note. I feel like this is a very special endeavor and everyone contributed to make it so.

Let me share with you some of the work in this wonderful anthology.

“Mr. Murray” by Ellen Lindner

Ellen Lindner’s wry sense of humor is spot on in this tale about the search for the seemingly elusive Mr. Bill Murray.

“Trenitalia” by Robin Ha

Robin Ha is full of wanderlust on this adventure on an Italian train.

“The 171 Bus Route” by Julia Scheele

Julia Scheele immerses us in this richly detailed look at a bus commute through London.

“Deaf” by Patrice Aggs

Patrice Aggs has a hilarious story to tell in this comedy of errors.

“Homesick” by Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg

Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg’s “Homesick” is a deliriously wild ride that floats, flies, and dreams its way through to charming results.

“The Next Life of Ruzzell” by Kat Roberts

Kat Roberts gives us a most inventive take on the concept of travel. It is full of magic and whimsy.

“Miss Moti Can Go Places” by Kripa Joshi

We end with the back cover by Kripa Joshi. She’s an engaging artist and this next issue’s co-editor with Ellen. We look forward to what results.

And be sure to pick up your copy of THE STRUMPET #2 which you can find HERE.

Stay tuned. There’s more to come from the Stumptown Comics Fest held in Portland, Oregon, April 27-28. That includes video interviews with Ellen Lindner and Robin Ha.

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Filed under Alternative Comics, Art, Comics, Comix, Ellen Lindner, Illustration, Independent Comics, Kickstarter, PDX, Portland, Publications, Publishing, Robin Ha, Self-Published, Stumptown Comics Fest, The Strumpet

Tagged as Art, arts, Comedy, Comix, Entertainment, graphic novels, Illustration, Independent Comics, Indie, Kickstarter, Micropublishing, Nonprofits, Pop Culture, Portland, Publishing, Women's Issues

April 7, 2013 · 5:35 pm

ART: GARY BASEMAN: THE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN

In “Gary Baseman: The Door Is Always Open,” the artist welcomes visitors into his creative universe. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you will definitely want to take in this retrospective of one of the major contemporary artists of pop surrealism at the Skirball Cultural Center, running from April 25 thru August 18, 2013. Visit the museum website here.

Press release follows:

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Filed under animation, Art, Gary Baseman, Illustration, Pop Surrealism, Toys

Tagged as Animation, Art, arts, Gary Baseman, Illustration, Los Angeles, Pop Surrealism, Toys

January 11, 2013 · 9:03 pm

Kickstarter: A Night At The Sorrento

Comics Grinder and Henry Chamberlain just want to provide a heads up about an upcoming Kickstarter campaign. The project is a book entitled, “A Night At The Sorrento and Other Stories.” It’s comics and illustrations and the above art is part of that project.

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Filed under Art, Comics, Henry Chamberlain, Illustration

Tagged as Art, arts, comic books, comics, Entertainment, graphic novels, henry chamberlain, Horror, Illustration, Pop Culture, Seattle

July 30, 2012 · 4:29 am

COMIC-CON 2012: deviantART PANEL

Our friends at deviantARt put together a very informative and inspiring panel for artists.

Some choice words of advice and highlights follow from a press release:

On Saturday, July 14, deviantART – the largest social network for artists, with 22+ million members – hosted the panel, How to Supercharge Your deviantART Profile Like the Masters. Moderated by CEO Angelo Sotira, deviantART was honored to host the following superstars (all of whom are deviantART members):

· Adam Warren (“The Dirty Pair,” “Empowered”)
· Mark Brooks (Marvel Comics)
· Jim Zubkavich (Project Manager of Creative Services, Udon Entertainment)
· Dave Elliott (“Heavy Metal Magazine”)
· Wenqing Yan ( “Knite,” “1000 W0RDS”)
· Kevin Eastman (Co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
· Chris Sanders (Creator of “Lilo & Stitch”)

Each participant was asked to summarize the best piece of advice they wanted to impress on the audience. Below are direct quotes from the panel.

· “Be persistent, relentless, and unstoppable, even when you want to stop. Especially when you want to stop.” –Adam Warren (*AdamWarren)
· “Thrive on criticism.” –Mark Brooks (`diablo2003)
· “Create something that’s genuine and something you like.” –Jim Zubkavich (*Zubby)
· “Don’t be a lurker. Be positive and that will come back to you.” –Dave Elliott (=DeevElliott)
· “Don’t be afraid. Everyone starts out not being awesome. Immerse yourself in the process, and before you know it, you’ll be great.” –Wenqing Yan (`yuumei)
· “Whatever you think is art… is art. Period.” –Kevin Eastman (=Kevineastman)
· “Whatever you do, try and put a story in your work. It will make you a better artist.” –Chris Sanders (`alohalilo)

All wise words! Thanks to the good folks at deviantARt!

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Filed under Art, Comic-Con 2012, Comics, deviantART, Illustration

Tagged as Art, Comic-Con, comics, Entertainment, Illustration

June 11, 2012 · 12:20 am

ART: Picnic at Gas Works Park

Here is something I’ve been working on this weekend. I really like the way it came out. I had a pretty good idea of where I was headed but there’s always things that happen while you paint. This is a happy scene of a couple of kids having a picnic with a variety of animals at Seattle’s Gas Works Park.

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Filed under Art, Henry Chamberlain, Illustration, Painting, Seattle

Tagged as Art, Illustration, library cartoon, Painting, Seattle

January 16, 2012 · 7:37 am

DALTON WEBB & HENRY CHAMBERLAIN ART SHOW

Dalton Webb, a graphic designer and illustrator, is a good friend. He invited me to take part in an art show he was putting together at one of Seattle’s leading salons, Tart, in the Ballard neighborhood. It was an honor to join him. Tart is quite a lovely place. It has an inviting charm about it, very elegant and easygoing.

Passionate artists are constantly creating work. I know Dalton and I enjoy art on many levels, from drawing and painting to art history. I focus on drawing and writing. His focus is illustration and graphic design. Other interests will come into play too. This show is a display of the joy of creating artwork, particularly revealing something about our inner selves. There are signs of the allure of mystery, nostalgia, childhood, a need to connect back with the past and make sense of the present.

Through it all, the search for self and subject matter, one prime source that has sustained us both is the comics medium. We’re both cartoonists. It brings out the inner child. It brings out professional work ethics. While we pursue many different things in our lives, I believe, it is that grounding in comics, all the comics read and all the hours of setting ink brush to paper, that inform much of what we do. The world of comics is both a creature of a bygone era as well as one of the hottest art mediums imaginable, still growing, still challenging, artists and enthusiasts alike.

Well, with that said, if you’re in Seattle, make sure to visit Tart. Come enjoy their beauty services and come enjoy the art! Tart is located at 2221 NW 56th Street in Ballard. The phone is 206 706 5220. The show is up now and will run through April. The painting of the cat catching a big fish is by Dalton Webb and he has prints of that for sale. The painting of a winter scene is from my graphic novel, “Alice in New York,” which is in search of a publisher.