It's frustrating when Jim Woodring is referred to as a cartoonist, given that much of his output is in the form of fine art — even bordering on performance art with his Nibbus Maximus project. So it's comforting that Woodring himself uses that same epithet, seeing all his art as cartooning in its own way. To hear him talk about his craft is like being warped into the Unifactor of the Frank stories, such is the unsettling and often consciousness-altering effect of Woodring revelations and explications.
Much like with Weathercraft, his previous graphic novel, Woodring is launching his most recent work, Congress of the Animals with a series of exploratory talks. These lectures are essential for the reader who wishes to pin some form of "definitive" meaning on the story, but even for those who like their authors dead, there are some insightful comments on art, life and spirituality from the artist.
The following footage was shot at Elliot Bay Bookstore in Seattle, WA on the 30th June 2011 by Ian Burns.
2 comments:
This was excellent and surprisingly funny. I understand about preserving the mystery of the stories but Jim's commentary really gives extra dimension to the world and characters, and it means we get to know the great names for the denizens of the unifactor (jivas, jerry chickens, the faceless men etc). Thanks.
Jim's commentary really gives extra dimension to the world... These lectures are essential for the reader who wishes to pin some form of "definitive" meaning on the story, but even for those who like their authors dead, there are some insightful comments on art, life and spirituality from the artist.
Post a Comment