Hi Boundary Pushers!
This is my second attempt at bringing this haiku to life. In February of 2021, I saw a post on Twitter (RIP?) that linked to a scientific article outlining that crabs could see stars. How could I fail to write a poem about that?
Here’s what my first attempt at a comic looked like back then:
I’ve refined my technique and style a bit since 2021.
I cannot know the mind of a crab. But I do know a bit about my own mind. When I started making comics to go with my haiku, I knew that I had no art skills. I couldn't draw at all. I was a writer, not an artist.
I did the best I could and shared the results even when they were very far from what I envisioned.
However, I had an unquenchable desire (believe me, I tried hard to quench it) to make something beautiful.
Then a few things happened. One, I spent time learning more about how comics work. Lynd Barry’s work opened my eyes to the idea that even I could make art if I were willing to let go of my shame over my art efforts from my childhood. Her books, Syllabus, Making Comics, and What It Is, were especially enlightening.
Two, I kept making comics and sharing the results. The more work I put in, the closer the output got to what was in my mind. Sharing my work keeps me from being too hard on myself or too proud of my work.
Three, I stopped believing that I was not an artist. I stopped believing that I couldn’t draw. I stopped believing that collage art was not suitable for “real” comics.
This challenge has two more days left. I’m so grateful for all of you that have read, liked, commented, shared, or emailed me about these haiku comics. It has given me the courage to continue pursuing my unorthodox career, and it has shown me that there is an audience for this weird thing I’m compelled to do.
I’m excited to see what will happen as I continue to work on my weird poetry collage art comic craft.
I hope that my work continues to help make your days a little bit brighter, and I hope that all of us strive to overcome our perceptions so that we can become limitless.
Be the weird you want to see in the world!
Cheers,
Jason
This was one of my favorites! Also, how cool to see your progression as an artist!
I’m sad your challenge is almost over, and happy it will continue! 👏🏻😊