31 August 2017

A review of Mark Crilley's book, Manga Art



Manga Art, by Mark Crilley, is not what I expected it to be. I thought it was going to be a how-to book on drawing manga, and since I've checked out one artist's take on that, I was interested in seeing how a different artist would approach it.

This is not a how to draw book. Although Mark Crilley is an art teacher, and has YouTube videos teaching drawing techniques, this book is a collection of artwork by him for him (and us), where he got to explore his art and style. I loved it! Reading this book was like going to see a special exhibit in a museum. And getting to stop and look at all the pictures, for as long as you want. And reading the little plaques next to the display. As a mother with young children, that's a pretty awesome experience. One of the rules of childhood seems to be: If you can't climb on it, it's not worthwhile. Which means I don't really do museums right now.

Except I feel like I did. I got to see this huge collection of art. Have a little "discussion" about what art means with Mr. Crilley. Take time just staring at something beautiful. It sounds neurotic, but it was totally a much needed mommy break - that and I really loved the artwork.

My favorite piece was called Glomp!

Image result for mark crilley glomp
https://autodo.info/pages/c/chibi-glomp/

It looks a lot like this. Which is basically how I feel when I see my husband.

The book was divided into five different segments: Characters, Japan, Science Fiction, Conceptual Art, and Styleplay. Each picture has an explanation about why Crilley chose to do the particular piece, and how he did it, and maybe ways it challenged him as an artist. My favorite section was Styleplay, and it was fun seeing if I recognized which artist Mr. Crilley was emulating. Some were unmistakable, like an homage to the creator of Calvin and Hobbes entitled The Watterson Tree. Some were just styles in general, like "looser brushstrokes". I really enjoyed reading Manga Art and I would recommend it to people interested in that art form, even if you just checked it out from the library.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my review. This is my honest opinion about the book. 

08 August 2017

To refugees coming to America

Dear Stranger,

Welcome to America! May you enjoy every freedom this country has to offer. May you be welcomed by those you come amongst, and may you find many helpful people to see you through your transition to a new homeland. I am so sorry you were forced from your homeland. I can't imagine the pain and terror you have experienced. I am so sorry you were forced to leave loved ones and possessions. I know from my limited ability to speak a foreign language that it can be so hard to express yourself, yet people will be judging you by those limited expressions. You are brave and you are strong.

There are people who will view you as a threat to their safety, their jobs, their tax dollars, their way of life. These people can be quite vocal. Some of them will be very rude. Please don't judge all of us by those unkind individuals. We are happy to have you. We hope you will feel welcome in our homeland for as long as you care to stay. We pray for those you were forced to leave behind, that their lives will be protected, and that peace will return to their land. We are so grateful for the good that you will contribute to our society. We are grateful for the opportunity we have to learn from you. Welcome to America, and, we hope, welcome home.