Showing posts with label claire harris. Show all posts
Showing posts with label claire harris. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

2012 in Review: Theo Macdonald

Theo Macdonald

What have been your cartooning/comics highlights of 2012?
 
Participating in the Comics Generation exhibition was cool. I've never had my work exhibited, so that was an interesting experience, working out what was worthy of the wall. Luckily the curator, Claire Harris, was very good at identifying that some work was simply better than other stuff. Traveling to Auckland Armageddon to sell my first graphic novel Edward Fisher: Duck, You Flogger was a big deal. This had taken 28 months to complete, so finally releasing it was satisfying, to say the least. It looked fantastic, mainly due to the involvement of Richard Fairgray, who dealt with all the publishing details. 

Who are some of the comics creators that you've discovered and enjoyed for the first time in 2012?
 
The main local work I've enjoyed has been that of the Comics Generation artists: Esther and Sadie Galloway, Zora Patrick, Michael Sanders, and Joel Spencer. There's a common sense of vitality to their work, it had to be created, which I like. 

In terms of general comic reading, I've been woefully unadventurous, mainly just enjoying various continuing series, particularly Locke & Key by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, which uses Rodriguez' skills from his previous career in architecture to develop a comprehensive universe. One new discovery has been the ongoing webcomic Multiplex, by Gordon McAlpin, which began as a basic movie parody strip, but soon turned into a full fledged dramedy, kind of reminiscent of Freaks and Geeks. The art is vector, which I normally don't find that attractive, but the understated colour palette and sense of consistency afforded by computer generated work really draws me in. 

What is something non-comics that you have enjoyed in 2012?
 
This year I've been attempting to watch Woody Allen's entire directing filmography, a difficult task due to the unavailability of many of his works on DVD, but I'm close, three films left before his latest comes out here. I've also gotten into Jim Jarmusch, Orson Welles, and David Lynch, the last of whom's work I've enjoyed in several mediums, particularly his fine art, which is wonderfully textured and offers great insight into his directorial process. 

My favourite new releases this year have been Young Adult and We Need to Talk about Kevin, both fantastic character driven pieces, albeit in two completely different genres, comedy and horror. Moonrise Kingdom was perfect, in my mind Wes Anderson is still to put a foot wrong. 

I finally got around to reading a lot of the stuff on my bedside table: Howl and other poems, The Trial, The High Window, The Thin Man. There's still a lot to go. 

Have you implemented any significant changes to your working methods this year?
 
It's more just been general development. I began rewriting every page of Edward Fisher as I got to it. The panel layouts are denser and more fluid. Does not sleeping count as a working method? Also I started watching Gilmore Girls when drawing, I assume I'll just stop creating when I reach the end of season 7. 

Not comics, but this year I started using oil paints, which has drastically improved my style. 

What are you looking forward to in 2013?
 
A couple of days ago I decided I'm going to create a sequel to my comic from two years ago, Theocracy. I've got 19 strips ideas written down, and am hoping to publish it online along with the content of the first volume. I've written some short films, a couple of which I plan on making early 2013, and I want to keep developing my painting skills. One project that should be very interesting is getting a new pair of glasses. At this stage there will probably be two lenses, but who knows what will change in editing? 

Also I'll be beginning university in Auckland, which should generate enough angsty angst fun to keep me writing for a long time.
 

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Comics Generation


Comics Generation is an exhibition featuring six young Wellington artist/writers showing their comic books and zines at Thistle Hall Gallery 28-31 March.

The artists- Esther Galloway, Sadie Galloway, Zora Patrick, Joel Spencer, Michael Sanders and Theo MacDonald- range in age from five to 17. Using a variety of methods and approaches to visual story telling they have invented SpaceCats and Skate Rats, delved into experimental cookery, created poetry from a cat's point of view, and reinvented fairy tales and television shows.

Theo Macdonald

I interviewed Comics Generation curator Claire Harris via email about the upcoming exhibition.

What was the impetus behind holding Comics Generation?

Paul Sanders (the writer of Spacecat Adventures, a comic he makes with his son Michael) approached me in my role as an organiser for NZCC to see if I could suggest other comic book makers he and Michael could hold a group exhibition with. I already had a special interest in comics and zines made by children and teenagers, so volunteered to curate a group exhibition of work by Michael and other young comics and zine makers.

Michael Sanders


Are there any common themes among the work of the participating artists?

One commonality that strikes me is the use of mashed-up references from their own reading and viewing, ranging from blatant cribbing of jokes and art styles, to more subtle allusions and reflection on their own media consumption. There is also an autobiographical theme to some of the work, and a vivid sense that work is grounded in the experience and personality of the artists.

Are any of the participating artists second generation zine/comic creators?

Yes. Michael Sanders co-produces 'SpaceCat Adventures' with his dad Paul. Ester and Sadie Galloway are the daughters of Bryce Galloway, the artist behind the long running zine 'Incredibly Hot Sex With Hideous People'. I'd say with a fair certainty that all artists involved have at least one parent who is a comic fan, or at least was supportive enough to photocopy their comics for them.


 Zora Patrick


Are there currently any dedicated zine stockist's in Wellington?

No, sadly. However the Wellington City Library has an excellent zine collection, and Graphic Comic shop stocks the work of the artists in Comics Generation.

How did you go about finding the artist's involved with Comics Generation?

The artists have all previously self-published comics and/or zines. I had become aware of their work through either distributing their comics through NZCC, or by seeing their work at Wellington Zinefest. Comics Generation recognises the accomplishment these six young artist have already made.


Joel Spencer

Is there much support or scene for young zine/comic makers in Wellington?

As far as I know Comics Generation is the first attempt to bring a group of young zine and comics makers together to exhibit, and I hope it brings about some collaborations or ongoing mentoring. Local comic shop Graphic is usually very supportive when it comes to stocking comics by young people. There are also opportunities for young zine and comics makers to distribute their work through art/craft markets and the annual Wellington Zinefest.