We’ve done music, we’ve done comedy. It’s time to get creative and intelligent, so I’m shifting my weekend series once again. (Any of you are more than welcome to take over the music or comedy at any time. I bequeath them…)
To kick things off, here’s a presentation by one of my favorite cartoonist, writer, and “accidental professor” Lynda Barry.
I first became aware of Barry’s work via the City Paper in DC, where her weekly series, Ernie Pook’s Comeek, was published alongside some upstart named Matt Groening, doing Life in Hell.
I was used to the clean, friendly lines of newspaper comics like Peanuts, B.C., and Shoe. Barry drew things that looked rough and dark by comparison. Her exploration of childhood thoughts and actions was powerful, and I was hooked.
Years later, Barry has become a cheerleader for art and expression in her role as professor, holding classes and workshops for people of all ages and skills, in comic making and writing. Her blog, The Near-Sighted Monkey, is often directed at current students in her classes, and she often shares projects that you, meaning YOU, can do at home without much effort.
http://thenearsightedmonkey.tumblr.com
Cool!
Great idea, Chris.
Another Sunday morning wasted
Chris, You’ve completely ruined another Sunday morning for me. For many months I’ve clicked on these videos and missed the talking heads on NBC, ABC, CBS, and even C-SPAN! I have no idea what’s been going on in this country, the world, yet somehow I still DO. How is that possible?
I’m a big fan of Lynda Barry and her Nearsighted Monkey blog. Thanks once again for disturbing my status quo. My first phone number was UNiversity 4602 in case you’re interested. But I have no idea what Donald Duck Frump has to say.
More to come
I hope to ruin many a weekend going forth. The new plan is to highlight interesting people with unique approaches to knowledge.
On her blog, Lynda is just starting another class, and has students finding an image from a coloring book, getting out the crayons, and doing some coloring. Everyone should do some coloring!