Is Mama Happy?

HELENA, Mont. -- Displaying his trademark showmanship, Democratic Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer stood on the Capitol steps Wednesday and punctuated his rejection of 17 Republican bills by emblazoning representations of several of them with his "VETO" branding irons.

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This makes Mama Happy.

When Mama’s not happy nobody is happy

Where I live when Mama’s not happy nobody is happy.    My wife, Olivia, is Mama.    She has opinions.   You should listen to her.   She will be reviewing everything from TV, Movies, Restaurants and her other experiences.   We will put the results on the “Is mama happy?” index.      You all should pay attention; we know our lives are better when we do.

Some things that make mama happy

Walking Dead and zombies

Being Human

knitting

Wine from Trader Joes

Beer

Zoo Brew

 

Some things that make mama not happy

People that suck

Prejudice/bigotry - any kind gets a big thumbs down

04/29 Second Annual Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser for IPRC

Join the IPRC for this good time jamboree, featuring all-you-can-eat chili, free beer/wine(!), music by the Rabbit Foot String Band, plus prizes awarded to the best chili makers in four categories: Best Veggie; Best Vegan; Best Meat; and Hottest. Last year the IPRC went through about twelve pots of chili in an hour, so they need more folks to enter this year. If you'd like to bring chili for this year's contest, please RSVP with IPRC Board Member Dawn Andreas at dawnandreas@gmail.com.

Friday April 29; 6-9pm
@IPRC; 917 SW Oak #218
$5 for all-you-can-eat chili; all proceeds benefit the IPRC

04/15 - Stumptown Dinner -- Friday April 15th from 6-9pm

This year Stumptown is partnering with Dark Horse to put together a benefit dinner for the CBLDF. On Friday April 15th from 6-9pm they are bringing 6 artists together for a night of food and drink at the Bridgeport Brewpub in the Pearl, and they are auctioning off 10 seats at the table to fans and readers. Winning bids will include dinner and conversation with the artists, who have also agreed to provide commission sketches for each winner, so free artwork as well!

The artists for the dinner include Matt Wagner, Steve Lieber, Carla Speed McNeil, Brandon Graham, and Eric Powell, and the bidding starts at $30 a seat. All the money raised goes to the CBLDF.
 
Bid now on Ebay

The bids start at: $30 for dinner and sketches from some FANTASTIC artists!

Date: Friday April 15th from 6-9pm 
Where: Bridgeport Brewpub in the Pearl,

Questions 37: Ben Dewey

Ben Dewey is an internationally published freelance artist living in Portland, Oregon. As a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, he brings a traditional sensibility to comics informed by his training as a painter.

Ben started drawing sequential graphic narratives in third grade and then developed an obsession with superhero comic art which continues to this day. He is currently a member of Periscope Studio where he works on projects for noteworthy clients like Marvel Publishing Inc., Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, and others.

Doug Dorr:   What projects are you working on currently?

As I write this I'm finishing off the Pencils and inks for a digest length (72-80 pages) Star Wars story, for Darkhorse and written by Ryder Windham, called 'Strange Allies' that will be previewed on free comic book day (May 11th) and see release this summer.

I also do an ongoing web-comic (along with writer Nathan staples) called "Tales From The White Pony" that is just a few weeks worth of posts away from 200 pages. It started as an exercise in producing comics quickly; the first 50 pages were produced in 90 minutes each. It has become something else entirely and I credit much of my recent artistic development to the process of working on it. We just revamped the website to be more immerse and easy to navigate. You can find it at www.whiteponycomic.com

DD:   What is your writing Process?

With TFTWP Nathan and I will talk out big sections of the story. Depending on what we are trying to achieve in a scene we might have a longer more specific conversation about panels and dialogue but for the most part, our approach isn't dissimilar to the old Marvel method where Kirby would plot bits and Stan Lee would edit, write and tidy up (as I've heard their relationship described.)

I've become more interested in writing lately as I brainstorm for my next project. Steve Lieber showed me some great resources that have been very helpful in describing the essentials of constructing a story:

The first is David Mamet's memo to the writers of 'The Unit' (some strong language)

Secondly the book "Story" by Robert McKee (interview with him)

10 Lords (Vaders) a Leaping

I came across this last bit of education a while back: I've been a big fan of the original Star Wars for a long time. I'm somewhat of a purist for many sentimental and aesthetic reasons. I enjoy these red letter media reviews of the new movies (minus the grotesque and superfluous 'serial killer' subplot) because they are like a master-class in what not to do when developing a narrative. (NSFW link)

So I try and keep these influences in my mind, remember what I'm trying to express and make an attempt to entertain myself. I believe that the mixture of those things results in something worth reading.

DD:   What Comic/ Trade would you recommend?

I think differently if I'm suggesting for other creators, than I would for non-industry people.

I love a number of books based on the strength of the art alone so I tend to buy those when I can and suggest them to other artists. Right now I'm really into the work of Stuart Immonen, Olivier Coipel, Jim Cheung, Cliff Chiang, Eric Canete, Pascal Ferry, Gabriel Hardman, Yanick Paquette, Chris Samnee and Terry Dodson (who is my favorite over all.)

I get some good recommendations from my studio mates that fall outside my own natural interests but hold a ton of value for other reasons. Dustin Weaver often offers up unusual comics like Jason Shiga's 'Meanwhile' that are really worth sharing.

For writers I would suggest Jeff Parker's books for humor, action and pacing; he is an artist too so he is great at planning fantastic sequences without overdoing it. I also enjoy the way Paul Tobin fills his stories with purposeful energy and unmistakable personalities for each character. I wish Marvel would have let Paul and Jeff keep making 'adventures' line stories because they were fun and bounded like comics are supposed to be. Kurt Busiek's run on Conan captured the sort of gutsy, grandiose adventure I want to see more of.

DD:   What Comic/ Trade would you recommend to someone new to comics?

I'd suggest those books that got my girlfriend Lindsey into comics: Alan Moore's 'League of Extraordinary Gentlemen', 'The Watchmen',

Jeffery Brown's 'Clumsy', James Kochalka's 'American Elf', Craig Thompson's 'Blankets' and all the 'Calvin and Hobbes' you can get your hands on because Watterson is the definition of 'a master' at his craft.

A first book should be a fun book. Part of the joy of comics is exploration and like any adventure the initial draw should have an intoxicating effect. A new reader should experience a 'romance' with comics first. They should get the opportunity to walk into a comic shop and see those racks and shelves full of exciting looking titles. If the right one catches their eye, and has the content within to seal the deal, then they'll do the rest.

For me that was the Jim Lee/Chris Claremont X-men #1 with the wraparound cover that came out in 1991 but for someone else it'll be Charles Burns' 'Black Hole.' It's all about the romance of that first moment and most people have to pick that for themselves.

DD:   When are story illustrator, how involved are you in the writing?

As an illustrator, if I'm working on a project for a major publisher, then I'm generally not involved in the plotting and scripting of the story. I've done a few projects where a writer has asked my input but most scripts arrive fully formed. The writer does his part, then it's my turn to interpret that foundation of written words with as much clarity, excitement and nuance as my personal approach allows. Even though I'm adding on after the fact, I like to think of it along the lines of a filter or a prism: what goes into it can come out looking and feeling very different.

On my web-comic I do a fair bit of plotting and scripting. However, since Nathan is lettering it and I have a tendency to be verbose, he often edits down or reshapes the dialogue I write to be more succinct.

DD:   What skill would you like to learn?

I'd like to be better at using digital media but I'm also interested in continually refining my traditional drawing for the purpose of storytelling (that is a never ending journey!)

I'm always working on my guitar playing too.

I used to fantasize about skateboarding but I realized that what I really enjoyed was playing Tony Hawk 2 on Playstation. Nowadays I want to learn a foreign language so I could live abroad and get better at math so I can understand physics more completely.

DD:   Do you have a collection? If so, what is one of the items you're most proud of?

I have a sweet guitar collection but I assume you meant comics so I'll stick to that realm! I have a silver surfer comic (number 1 from 1982 drawn by John Byrne) stored at my Mom's house in Cleveland that my Dad drove me to get when I was 11. That comic blew my mind. I love Silver Surfer.

I have a bunch of cool original comic art that has been given to me by friends and studio mates. I have a Kris Justice inked page and Gabe Hardman original page from Agents of Atlas. I own a wonderful David Hahn sketch from a page of Fables that features twin Gorillas from rival cold-war nations discovering that they are brothers and teaming up to fight deadly menaces from the past, present and future. Ben Bates did a sweet Conan sketch for me. Jonathan Case gave me a wonderful drawing he did for a silly job; that guy really does turn everything he touches into gold. Rich Ellis gave me a fantastic Thor piece he did that is festooned with monsters. Ron Chan did a caricature of me for my birthday (that is also a puppet) and it sits on the edge of my framed Gabe Hardman Agents page. I'm working on getting something from all my studio buddies.

DD:   What is your favorite genre of Comics?

I like comics that emphasize beauty and craft. I notice that as a priority, more often, in the artists who draw superhero books but there are good examples found amongst the more exotic themes favored by 'independent' artists like Chris Ware, Dan Clowes and a few artists I've already mentioned.

On rare occasions I like work that experiments with structure of narrative, mechanics and the unique properties endemic to comics. Though, most of that sort of work leaves me feeling unsatisfied because conceptual exercises don't tend to succeed in communicating much beyond the impressiveness of the intellectual gymnastics required to create them in the first place.

On the whole I prefer a classic tale well told to a clever mental exercise that lacks visual polish.

DD:   Do you have an Ipad? If so what do use it for the most.

I have a flying V and I use it the most to Rock.

DD:   What is your favorite TV show/ movie?

My favorite show is "The Wire." It is the most adroit exploration of the problems facing contemporary urban America that has ever been achieved. David Simon and the rest of the people behind that show deserve our thanks for demonstrating what can be done, by humans in the arts, with the maximum application of intellect, talent and empathy.

"The West Wing" is a close second with "30 Rock" as a close third (Sometimes you just have to have fun.)

My favorite Movie is probably "The Empire Strikes Back."

I also love some movies so much that I won't watch them unless I'm certain there will be no distractions of any kind to interrupt the viewing. Those movies include: "Ameile", "The Iron Giant" "King Kong" and "Seven Samurai"

DD:   What was your first comic convention?

I think it was the S.P.A.C.E. show in columbus Ohio. Nathan and I went there to see what people were doing and it was a small show, in retrospect, but eye opening.

DD:   What is your favorite part of comic conventions?

So far it is meeting other people who share the joy of comics and the culture related to it. I love escaping into the world that a skilled creator can build so fully in the venue of a simple object: a comic book. The engagement required to read it transforms you into an integral part of the story telling process. Comics is and always will be, at its' heart, a populist medium. To see that rare quality embodied by fans and creators interacting makes me very happy, especially because I've experienced being on both sides of the table. I like knowing that at some future point any one of the people who I talk with could end up as one of my professional peers.

I try to make the con experience better for everyone who stays long enough at my table to exchange a few words. Reciprocity is what comics is all about.

DD:   If you weren’t doing comics what would you do?

I'd be playing more guitar for sure. I'd also be making paintings and enameling like I did in college.

I used to work on parades making huge puppets, costumes and things of that sort. As a kid I dreamt of working on movies as a model builder, concept artist or matte painter. Art making has been such a big part of my identity for so long that I cannot imagine a life without some form it.

Lately I wish I could be a scientist-artist like Antonie van Leeuwenhoek or Johannes Goedaert

DD:   Do you have a favorite restaurant that you would recommend?

My favorite place in Cleveland is called 'Tommy's.' Get the "Quinn" or the "Capetown" and finish it off with a "Brownie Monster." Their milkshakes are amazing too.

In Chicago I suggest 'Giordano's' for pizza so awesome that it makes every other thing that goes by the same name seem like and absurd caricature. Even if you only have a few hours in the windy city you should go to 'The Bongo Room' on Milwaukee. They make the best food I've ever had; hands down.

In Portland I like 'The Blue Nile' Ethiopian, 'The Blind Onion' pizza, 'Mr Taco' burritos and 'Tom's Restaurant' on Division because it reminds me of a neighborhood greasy spoon that my Dad and I used to go to in Cleveland called 'George's Kitchen.' Lindsey and I like to go there on most sundays and play bananagrams.

DD:  How long have you lived in Portland, what made you choose Portland?

I have lived in Portland for five and a half years. I chose Portland because my favorite musician, Kelly Joe Phelps, was kind enough to talk with me after a show for an extended period and during our conversation he mentioned that it would be a good fit for me. I saw that Mike Mignola would note that he lived here in the Hellboy trades- he was my favorite comics artist for a very long time. Prior to all that I had developed an interest in Portland because it kept showing up in relation to things I was interested in. Since my favorite musician and favorite artist both 'endorsed' it I decide to make a go of it when I turned 25.

I had some friends out here already (Chris and Lynette) who very kindly put me up and helped me find my footing. If it hadn't been for them I don't think I would have been able to take root. I try to offer similar assistance to other Portland pilgrims now and I've been fortunate enough in my experiences here that I can do it with relative frequency.

DD:   What is your favorite part of Portland?

I like that it has the benefits of a big city in the skin of a town. You can get around by bike or bus and there is no stigma around that.

In Cleveland you would be considered insane, a loser or dwelling on the cultural fringe for doing things that are common-place in PDX

DD:   Where in Portland/ Oregon would you most like to visit?

I'd like to get to the Portland Rock Gym with more regularity.

The Newport Aquarium was super cool and I'd love to go back there again.

There is a new guitar store downtown. I haven't been to it yet!

I still haven't been to Crater Lake so that is on the list. Specifically I'd like to go to 'Wizard Island' in the middle of the lake!

Would you like to write for another media? or conversely, how would you feel about writing a comic of a character from a different media, for example, Dr. Who, James Bond? What would you explore?

I am at a stage in my development as a creative professional where exploring preexisting characters is helpful in learning about the craft of storytelling whether that is a drawing or a writing experience.

I'd like to do a take on the Star Wars prequels. If you are going to tell that story you need to take certain things, that make the original trilogy so magical, into account. I'm not convinced that Vader's origin had to be told but I have had ideas about what it would be since I was a kid; to start, Yoda does not use a lightsaber and Anakin Skywalker was likable.

Dr Who Papercraft...from Cyberdrone

Cubee - Classic TARDIS by ~CyberDrone on deviantART

04/27 Comic Book Club: PART III

Wednesday, April 27 · 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Cosmic Monkey Comics & the Ambassador

5335 NE Sandy (Cosmic Monkey Comics) & 4744 NE Sandy (the Ambassador)

Portland, OR

From Erik Henriksen

 

"Just like Rocky, Colt, and Tum-Tum in THREE NINJAS KNUCKLE UP, Comic Book Club is back for a third round of misguided, unsupervised ass-kickery. On Wednesday, April 27, we'll meet up at 6 pm at Cosmic Monkey Comics (5335 NE Sandy); then, at 7 pm or so, we'll head across the street to the Ambassador (4744 NE Sandy) for drinks, conversation, roundhouse kicking demonstrations, and karaoke.

And! Because they're so stoked to have us there, Cosmic Monkey Comics will be offering a Comic Book Club discount that night—if you're there for Comic Book Club, you'll get 20 percent off anything in the store!"

Facebook Event

Questions 36: Terry Blas

Terry Blas is a Portland based artist whose focus is primarily on character design and comics.   He is a recent graduate of the Pacific Northwest College of Art with a degree in Illustration. He is the writer and illustrator of the web comic: Briar Hollow.   

Terry Blas draws, writes and plays the trumpet. He likes grape flavored candy, movies and watches an obscene amount of television.   He has lived in Fort Ord California, Boise Idaho, Ixtapa Mexico, The Bronx, Sleepy Hollow, Los Angeles and now resides somewhere he calls Raintown or Sushiville but other people like to call Portland Oregon.   He watches lots of films, and in fact, owns over 300 of them.  Rumor says if he has seen a movie more than three times he can quote it front to back.

Terry Blas art blog is located here.  

Doug Dorr:   What projects are you working on currently?

Right now I'm working on completing volume one of Briar Hollow. I've got three issues left. I'm also lettering a few comics, a web comic called Somewhere In Between by Megan Levens, and a graphic novel called Ties by Emily McGuiness. I also do spot illustrations and commissions for a variety of clients. I just did some fun illustrations for a video blog called "This is Good" which is hosted by Bryson Gilreath. He reviews comics and music and film.

DD:   What is your artistic Process?

First and foremost, it's difficult for me to work in a messy or unorganized environment. It's hard to pull something creative out of my brain if I'm surrounded by chaos. I still haven't had the opportunity to work on a comic that I myself haven't written, so my process usually starts with writing a rough script, then doing the thumbnails and breakdowns of the pages. The good thing about that is, if I don't like something, I can change it along the way. Add a panel here, take some dialogue out there. Whatever.

DD:   When are story illustrator, could your process working with the writer?

I've always been the writer on the projects I have drawn so in that aspect the two go hand in hand. If I were working on a project given to me by another writer things wold certainly be different and a fun and interesting challenge. 

DD:   What Comic/ Trade would you recommend?

Right now I'd recommend RASL by Jeff Smith. It's an incredibly interesting idea, told so well and there's nothing else out there like it. Also, Emitown by Emi Lenox made me laugh and smile like no other comic has before. And anything by Jamie S. Rich and Joëlle Jones.

DD:   What Comic/ Trade would you recommend to someone new to comics?

If they are looking for a comic strip, Calvin and Hobbes, definitely. In terms of comics or graphic novels, I'd have to say Bone by Jeff Smith. It's my favorite comic and one that has been incredibly inspirational to me.

How involved are you with the illustration, the look and feel, of the books you write?

With Briar Hollow, I do about everything but color it. I had a specific feel and "look" for what I wanted with this world, sort of a Saturday morning cartoon in comic form, for teenagers and adults. Kimball, the  colorist, is incredibly helpful with bringing that vision to life and furthering the look of it.

What skill would you like to learn?

In general, playing the guitar. I love to sing, so it would be nice to know how to accompany myself. In terms of comics, probably more technical inking skill.

 

What's the most important thing you've learned?

To be yourself and not care so much what others think. Knowing who you are helps in every aspect of your life, with personal matters and with your art. You'll create more meaningful images and stories and your confidence will grow every step of the way if you know who you are and what you're capable of. Also, I've learned that hard work is the thing that helps over everything else. Make a lot of work. Put it out there. Don't get distracted. Set goals and make things happen for yourself. 

Do you have a collection?   If so, what is one of the items you're most proud of?

That'd be putting mildly. I have an action figure collection. A book collection. A comic collection. A movie collection. It's borderline Hoarders up in my apartment. I suppose I'm proudest of the insane of My Little Ponies I had as a kid and my collection of just about every Bone book that's ever been put out by Jeff Smith.

DD:   What is your favorite genre of Comics?

I don't think I have one. I like any kind of story, as long as it's told well.

DD:   What is your favorite TV show/ movie?

I can't just answer this with one. Shows: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Daria, Spaced, Adventure Time, Futurama, RuPaul's Drag Race, just to name a few. Movies: Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, The Birds, Prime, The Wizard of Oz, Pan's Labyrinth, Singing in the Rain, Donnie Darko, Plunkett and Macleane, Dogville.

DD:   How does the Portland comics culture shapes your work?

It's certainly given me some good friends to help motivate and inspire me. In art school, there were constant critiques, constant feedback and now, with other people in the Portland comics community, you can get that if you seek it out. Also, going to these artists for technical advice has been valuable for me. Natalie Nourigat loaned me a great book with some valuable web comic advice. Joëlle Jones just gave me an inking tutorial. Jamie S. Rich gave me some terrific advice on breaking down a story and pushing through some ideas. It's not lost on me how fortunate I am in Portland to have these resources.

DD:   What was your first comic convention?

San Diego Comic-Con 2007. I went with a fantastic group and had a ton of fun. 

DD:   What is your favorite part of comic conventions?

Seeing artists and new art. Buying sketchbooks. 

DD:   If you weren’t doing comics what would you do?

I almost went to school for vocal performance but I was more frightened to sing in front of people than I was to sow people my drawings-so I went to art school instead for Illustration. Maybe I'd have gotten over my fear of singing. 

DD:   Do you have a favorite restaurant that you would recommend?

I'm pretty easy to please. I love Thai Peacock on SW 9th and I frequent Sushiland in the Pearl. 

DD:   How long have you lived in Portland, what made you choose Portland?

I didn't know too much about Portland before I moved here. Just that there was no tax, and that it rained a lot. It was Joëlle Jones, my best friend, who got me to move here. She raved about it, went to art school here and encouraged me to leave Los Angeles. Looking back, I can honestly say that moving to Portland has been the best decision I've ever made. It led me to a lot of other right decisions. 

DD:   What is your favorite part of Portland?

That it's a comics town. There are so many great artists and people here.

DD:   Where in Portland/ Oregon would you most like to visit?

I've been there once, but I'd like to visit the Japanese Gardens more. I've never done the Shanghai Tunnel tour thing, I'd like to do that. Also hiking in Montgomery Park is something I want to do more. It's beautiful there. 

DD:   Would you like to Illustrate for another media? or conversely, how would you feel about Illustrate a comic of a character from a different media, for example, Dr. Who, James Bond? What would you explore?

I'd love to do conceptual character design for film. I did a thesis with that as it's basis. I draw every character from the books I read, so it's something I'm very interested in. I'd love to illustrate a comic from another media. It'd be fun to try and put my stamp on an already established character. 

New Books from Spark Plug debut at Stumptown

Sparkplug Comic Books is going to both MoCCA Fest and Stumptown Comics Fest and they will be premiering new books at each show.

The MoCCA Festival is this weekend in Manhattan, NYC Saturday April 9th and Sunday April 10th 11am-6pm. It will be at the Lexington Avenue Armory 68 Lexington Ave (Between 25th &26th Streets). 

Then Portland OR's own Stumptown Comics Fest is the next weekend. Saturday and Sunday April 16th and 17th (10-6 Sat and 12-6 Sun). Virginia Paine and Dylan will be there with all kinds of great comics.

MoCCA will mark the premiere of two long awaited Sparkplug books: Austin English's long awaited The Disgusting Room and Elijah Brubaker's Reich #8. Supplies will be limited so get them early.

Stumptown will mark the premiere two amazing anthologies. First, this year's free comic book: Dan Quayl. Co-published by Gazeta Comics, Teenage Dinosaur, Revival House Press and Sparkplug, this free comic book includes stories by Jesse McManus, Amy Kuttab, Jason Overby and Blaise Larmee. The issue is dedicated to John Callahan.
 

And then premiering at Stumptown Fest will be one of the biggest projects Sparkplug has ever been involved in: Gay Genius edited by Annie Murphy. And at 7pm Sunday night after Stumptown over at In Other Words (14 Killingsworth St.) Annie will be hosting a party for Gay Genius!

All our new books are available at the Sparkplug website

Actually, being a cartoonist is all about balancing chemicals

 

This is from the french blog Bouletcorp.    It is translated to english by Felix http://svalbard-passage.blogspot.com/ verified by Bryony Best.     It reminds me of the Male/ French version of Emitown.    This one is about coffee and zombies so I thought I would share it with everyone.

04/28 - Art Spiegelman @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall is located at
1037 SW Broadway
Portland Oregon 97205

Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

Legendary comic artist and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Maus. The New York Times Magazine calls him “an influential artist who is also an impresario and an enabler of others.”

04/14 Srsly Big Deal: Living and Breathing Comics in PDX @ Central Lib

Babies by Julia Gfrörer

Thursday, April 14, 4–5:45 p.m.

• Central Library, U.S. Bank Room
• 801 S.W. 10th Ave.
• 503.988.5234

Printable Srsly Big Deal flyer (pdf)
From self-published mini-comic zines to traditional comic books, manga and lengthy graphic novels, comics are a seriously big deal in our community, home to big-time publishers, small presses, many independent artists and the Stumptown Comics Fest.
Learn about the cultural and economic significance of comics with:

• PSU Special Collections Librarian and Archivist Cris Paschild
• Dylan Williams from SparkPlug Comics
• Diana Schultz from Dark Horse Comics
• Independent comics creator Julia Gfrörer

Also experience the unique live performance of mini-comics with Julia Gfrörer and guest.
Space at programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Questions 35: Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg

Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg is a cartoonist and educator who lives and works in Portland, Oregon.  After spending her formative years in the Garden State, the Big Apple and...Connecticut, she relocated to Portland, Oregon.

She self-publishes the comic series I Cut My Hair and has appeared in the anthologies Papercutter, Bird Hurdler, and Bearfight!. She is also a member of the studio Tranquility Base. You can listen to Lisa talking about her comics here as part of Multnomah County Library’s “Zinesters Talking” series.

Lisa is available for illustration and comics work. Curently she is open an art exhibit with Terry Blas at the Independent Publishing Resource Center opening April 7.

And to note:   For someone so short, she is pretty loud.

What projects are you working on currently?

I'm working on two comics projects right now: a minicomic called "Painful Vices," which is the story of a monster-creature going through a breakup, told as a series of vignettes about his increasingly bad habits.  I'm also working on an as-yet untitled young adult graphic novel about a nine year old girl and her eighteen year old babysitter, how their lives overlap and diverge.  I'm still scripting that one out but plan to begin illustrating and shopping it around within the year.  

What is your artistic Process?

When I'm starting a comic it generally begins with a few notes in my sketchbook about some plot points or my general story idea, accompanied by some rough doodles of what I imagine the characters would look like.  I usually add to these notes and drawings over time, before transitioning to writing out a script in Word.  Then there is a back and forth between writing the script and drawing out quick rough drafts of the panels, and after that I figure out how I want to arrange those panels on a page--this is my final thumbnailing.  Once my thumbnails are all done I move on to penciling out the comic pages with an HB pencil on vellum bristol board, and then inking with a Rapidograph pen.  Usually I ink a panel right after I finish penciling it, but I'm trying to move away from this and get the whole page penciled first. 

When are story illustrator, how involved are you in the writing?

I have only ever written my own scripts.  But for me the writing and illustrating are very much intertwined.  

What Comic/ Trade would you recommend?

Papercutter has a great variety of cartoonists and writers showcasing their stuff.  I also highly recommend Ivy and am excited to finally see it in hardcover! 

What Comic/ Trade would you recommend to someone new to comics?

Calvin and Hobbes collections are always a winner.  Clutch has been a hit when I've recommended it to others.  I'm always singing the praises of Lynda Barry to those who have never heard of her, or are not readers of comics in general. 

How involved are you with the illustration, the look and feel, of the books you write?

I've never written something that I haven't illustrated.  Though I think it would be far more challenging for me to write for someone else than to be the artist for someone else's script.  

What skill would you like to learn?

To get better at inking with a brush.  Also to learn Spanish. 

What's the most important thing you've learned?

If you keep drawing you are bound to get better.  Simple, but true, and easily forgotten.  

Do you have a collection?   If so, what is one of the items you're most proud of?

I do have a lot of comics, though I don't know if I'd call it a collection.  I am pretty proud of my out-of-print copy of Lynda Barry's "Come Over, Come Over," which I had autographed by her at Portland's Wordstock 2008. 

What is your favorite genre of Comics?

 I'm not sure if I have a favorite genre...I have a special appreciation for historical fiction for sure, though I wouldn't say it's my favorite.

Do you have an Ipad?   If so what do use it for the most.

Nope! I do have an ipod, though, and it's six years old.  

What is your favorite TV show/ movie?

Ok, I've got two ties....TV it's between Mad Men and My So-Called Life (sometimes I'm in a 60s mood and sometimes I'm in a 90s mood...); movies it's between Harold and Maude and Annie Hall. 

How does the Portland comics culture shapes your work?

I owe a lot to the comics culture of Portland.  Although I have always loved drawing and writing (though the love of writing did come a little later), I didn't start to seriously work on making comics until I moved here.  Immediately I met other cartoonists  who I could look to for feedback and input, and eventually this lead to my joining Tranquility Base, a studio of cartoonists, writers, and illustrators.  The zine and self-publishing culture in Portland has also helped--with the Independent Publishing Resource Center and institutions like Reading Frenzy and the Portland Zine Symposium, I saw a clear way to begin reproducing and distributing my work. 

 

What was your first comic convention?

My first comic convention that I ever attended was SPX in 2004, and the first one where I sold my work was Stumptown 2007.  

What is your favorite part of comic conventions?

My favorite part of comic conventions is that I feel so much a part of the comics community.  I am inspired by all the work I see around me, by the energy...I leave conventions with a sense of direction and energy, and I love carrying that feeling out with me.

If you weren’t doing comics what would you do?

Well, currently I divide my time between comics and working with middle and high schoolers, so most likely I would be a full-time teacher.  Probably history. 

What comics do your kids like?  What was/is your favorite character?

No kids of my own, but I do have a bunch of kids I work with, and they prefer manga, hands down. 

Do you have a favorite restaurant that you would recommend?

It's hard to pick one favorite, but the Vita Cafe on Alberta is up there. 

How long have you lived in Portland, what made you choose Portland?

I have lived in Portland for four and a half years; I moved here a few months after I graduated college.  I grew up in New Jersey and back then New York was my city.  I loved it and growing up I was convinced that not only would I live there, but that once I did life would be better in all respects.  Then I spent a semester in New York, and had a more difficult time than I thought I would.  So that was a major shock, and it left me with a desire to explore other cities and other parts of the country.  That summer I took a job as a counselor in southern Oregon.  I had already heard Portland was beautiful, but once I visited I was really drawn in.  And of course I knew that there were a fair number of cartoonists here, and thought it would be a good place to make comics.  Another friend of mine from school was thinking of moving here as well, so at the start of our senior year we made a pact to move together.  She left about a year ago but I'm still here...I would like to make a return to New York eventually and give it another go, but for now I'm still really enjoying living in Portland. 

What is your favorite part of Portland?

There are many parts of Portland I like for different reasons...I can never pick just one favorite of anything!  But if I had to choose I'd say the Skidmore Bluffs.

Where in Portland/ Oregon would you most like to visit?

I really haven't adequately explored the coast, and I'd like to see more of it.  Maybe Astoria; I've never been there. 

Would you like to Illustrate for another media? or conversely, how would you feel about Illustrate a comic of a character from a different media, for example, Dr. Who, James Bond?  What would you explore?

Yes, I think I'd be interested in that.  Maybe a graphic novel version of "The Catcher in the Rye" would be a terrible idea, but I'd have a lot of fun drawing Holden Caufield, I think. 

05/14-15 Wonder Northwest

Wonder Northwest is an amalgamation of pop-culture subcultures. Here you will find regular folks co-mingling with super heroes, pirates, geeks, nerds, cosplayers, film enthusiasts, gamers and other nice people! The vendor room will feature comic books, toys, video games and more from some of the best dealers from across the country.  Contests, panels and other special events will be open for all attendees to enjoy.   

With Craig Thompsom, Tim Seeley and many other guests

Comics Night at the Opera IV

by Ron Chan

Portland Opera has invited a bunch of Portland comics artists to sit in on their dress rehearsal of two shows: L’Heure Espagnole and L’Enfant et les Sortileges.

Questions 34: Shawn Aldridge

Shawn Aldridge is a comic book writer and musician who created Vic Boone, a pulp-style detective living in a sci-fi world.     Vic Boone, an ex-motorcycle daredevil, turned private eye in a world where the science fiction of early Hollywood is science fact. "He’s a bit of a smart ass and sometimes too reckless for his own good."   The new Vic Boone ongoing series coming out from 215ink in June.  Look for it in Previews in April 2011. 

Vic Boone and one of his other stories Island Alone were distributed as the Zuda Online competition. Each month Zuda Comics, a DC Comics online imprint, held a competition involving 10 comics, with the winner of the competition receiving a year long contract .   Island, Alone as described by Aldridge is “sort of in the vein of Harryhausen, Victorian Gothic literature, with a little Lovecraft and EC comics.”  The story follows the misadventures of “John,” who finds himself lost and alone on a hostile island.

Shawn Aldridge is  also in a band, French 75s,  a mix of Power Pop, Punk Pop, and straight up Rock ‘n Roll. 

Doug Dorr:   What projects are you working on currently?

Right now, Vic Boone, my creator-owned project with artist Geoffo,  is my main focus. Finishing the lettering and coloring on the first issue, which comes out in June from 215 Ink. (available for order in April's Previews.) I do have a few other projects I'm writing, which are in various stages of completion--Kid Gloves, Seven Guns to Santa Fe, and a proposal with artist Nathan Ooten for Top Shelf.

DD:   What is your artistic Process?

I don't do much in the way of art these days. I used to draw, but made a decision years ago to focus on writing. I always a better writer than artist. I do color my own projects on occasion, for example Vic Boone. In cases like that the first thing I do is find the colors I want and that best serve the art and story. Boone has a very limited color palette based on a 1920s record cover.  I also letter all my own stuff. Just easier for me (and everyone involved) since I approach it as the final stage of dialogue revision.

Island, Alone

DD:   When you are writer, what is your interaction with the story illustrator?

I really strive to make it a team effort. I like them to know that nothing is set in stone. If they have a better idea of how to approach a scene or panel to go with it. I'm open to suggestions and ideas they might have about certain things. Of course, there are things that I won't budge on, if I feel it undercuts the story or character. In the end, though, it's all about collaboration; melting all the influences, viewpoints, etc together to make the best comic we can.

DD:   What Comic/ Trade would you recommend?

Anything by Darwyn Cooke. Sweet Tooth has been good. Blacksad, which I was recently recommended, is a must read.

DD:   What Comic/ Trade would you recommend to someone new to comics?

The default answer has always been Watchmen, but I'm not sure that's always the right answer. I would ask the person what they enjoy reading then recommend something based on that. The best way to make new readers into regular readers is to give them genres/books based on what appeals to them in other areas.

DD:   What skill would you like to learn?

Honestly, I wish I had never stop drawing. Everything would be a lot easier if I could draw my own stuff.

DD:   What's the most important thing you've learned?

You're not always right.

DD:   Do you have a collection?   If so, what is one of the items you're most proud of?

Yes, I have a collection. I'm proud of it all. A few years back, an artist friend of mine, Jeff Winstead, decided to thin his collection down to only the books that made him happy, to stop being concerned with complete runs or series and such. I took that approach with my own collection. So, know every comic I own is based on me truly wanting to own it and not around the notion I need it to complete something.

DD:   What is your favorite genre of Comics?

The genre of good comics. I just enjoy great stories. I don't care if it's talking animals or superheroes, sci-fi or war stories. If it's good, I'll read it.

DD:   Do you have an Ipad?   If so what do use it for the most.

No, I don't own an Ipad.

DD:   What is your favorite TV show/ movie?

Oh, geez, um, Castle, Walking Dead, and Modern Family. I know that's "shows." Favorite movie depends on mood. It could be It's a Wonderful Life or Bloodsport.

DD:   How does the Portland comics culture shapes your work?

Hmm, I'm not sure it does. I think most of my sensibilities were instilled before I moved here, as far as my approach to writing. I'm more Southern than I am Portland.

DD:   What was your first comic convention?

Chicago Comicon in 1992, as a fan. Two memories--Stan Lee continuously got lost in the hotel. I almost got into a fight with Rob Leifeld.

DD:   What is your favorite part of comic conventions?

I haven't been to one in awhile, but I always enjoyed the interaction between creators and fans. Also the discovery of new talent/books you might not have known about.

DD:   If you weren’t doing comics what would you do?

Playing a lot more music and writing a lot more short fiction.

DD:   Do you have a favorite restaurant that you would recommend?

Not so much a restaurant, but a cart--Korean Twist. If you haven't had a Korean burrito from them, you don't know what you missing.

DD:   How long have you lived in Portland, what made you choose Portland?

It'll be 11 years in August. I moved to Portland to help my best friend from Kentucky take care of his kid brother who was dying of cancer.

DD:   What is your favorite part of Portland?

I think it's just the overall vibe of the place. I've never been a big city kinda guy, so I love the fact Portland is more like a big town.

DD:  Where in Portland/ Oregon would you most like to visit?

Everywhere. haha.

DD:   Would you like to write/Illustrate for another media? or conversely, how would you feel about writing a comic of a character from a different media, for example, Dr. Who, James Bond?  What would you explore?

I don't think I would enjoy writing for other media. A friend of mine wrote for the show True Blood for a bit. Having heard his experience, I think I'd pass on TV and probably Hollywood in general.

Gosh, I've never really thought about writing characters from other media. Oh, there is one thing I'd really like to do--Write graphic novel adaptations of The Harlem Cycle novels of Chester Himes. Gravedigger Jones and Coffin Ed are awesome.

04/07 - Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg and Terry Blas Comic Art Show

Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg and Terry Blas are two local, Portland cartoonists, both debuting new books at Stumptown Comics Fest this year. We've got them a week early though for a showing of their work and creative process when making a comic.

Thursday, April 7 · 6:00pm -8:30pm
Independent Publishing Resource Center
917 SW Oak St #203
Portland, OR

Painful Vices: Painful Vices begins with a break-up between two little monsters. It goes on to tell the story of how one half of the couple copes with this through a series of vignettes about his increasingly bad habits.

Briar Hollow: Self-proclaimed gamer, comic book collector and cryptozoology enthusiast Molly, decides to return to college after a soul searching semester off. Harassed by bullies and prompted by her lonelliness, she attempts to leave her nerdiness behind, but when old friends and crushes return to her life, she may just find that nerds rule and being yourself is the most fun! Briar Hollow is an ongoing web comic series. The first volume, currently being posted consists of six issues. Issue one is Monday, issue two is Tuesday etc. It is created, written, penciled and inked and lettered by Terry Blas and colored by Kimball Davis.

About the Artists:
Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg was born in New Jersey in 1983, but an early love of Beverly Cleary books piqued her curiosity about Portland. Five years ago she made it her home. Lisa divides her time between drawing comics and working with middle schoolers and high school freshmen, who encourage her tendencies towards base humor. She has been published in the anthologies Bird Hurdler, Papercutter, and Bearfight!, and she self-publishes the comic series I Cut My Hair.

Terry Blas can play the trumpet. If he has seen a movie more than three times he can quote it front to back. It’s pretty weird. He has lived all over Mexico and the United States and feels like he has neglected Canada. He draws a lot too.He is a recent graduate of the Pacific Northwest College of Art with a degree in Illustration. He is the writer and illustrator of the web comic Briar Hollow. His clients include Ongina and Jujubee (RuPaul's Drag Race), Perry Moore (Hero/Narnia), and Bryson Gilreath (MTV My Life as Liz). He has also done work for Keen Footwear and Tokyopop.

So, come on up to the IPRC on First Thursday, April 7th!