This is a new series of dioramas, where I’m exploring some ideas inspired by my recent exploration of comix. It looks super cool under a black light.




Here are some more drawings from my very young self.
In doing some research for a school project, I found this comic I made as a kid.
Back then, I was deeply inspired by both Tom & Jerry comics, and The Cricket in Times Square.
I always made my characters live in over designed houses, and drive over designed vehicles that they made themselves.
The castle (there probably wasn’t a motel anywhere) was on a cliff, of course. And you can see the purple door, even from this far away.
I remember thinking the door was off when I drew it, so I worked that into the conversation, as though it was on purpose.
I can’t find the rest of the story. I know they found a smaller door and gained entrance to the castle, and had adventures inside. But, I can’t remember what happened.
I went, in part, to San Francisco to learn about the history of Underground Comix, and the role the city played in its development. I wrote about that elsewhere.
As I walked through the city, however, I encountered many examples of comic narrative at the street level. I’m sharing a little of that below.
You are great (in the Haight).
Not sure if this is social justice, but it was huge, surprising and cool.
The next two drawings were in a window, mostly likely drawn by a child. I wonder if they knew it would been seen by someone from the other side of the county, and posted on the Internet?
The next photos were taken in an alley in the Mission district. They were stunning, powerful and inspiring.
All these drawings and scenes were viewed by a visitor, documented and shared. And I saw a lot more, too. This tells me it’s worth making things like this and sharing them. You never know who will see it.
Here’s another grouping of dioramas in tin boxes, showing the potential outcome of a nuclear holocaust, potentially caused by misguided tweets, potentially giving rise to new dominant species on our planet. There’s a bright side to everything! Life will go on.
And, as a bonus:
More than 350,000 people were expected to attend this year’s ArtScape, now in its 29th year and the biggest yet. ArtScape is America’s largest free Art festival and generates more than $25 million in revenue. Every year, the citizens of the east coast unite to collectively bake our brains under an atomically hot sun. Here are some pics from this year.
My kids and I made circus peanut shirts using left over paint from the giant peanut.
There is something really cool about watching people hug art. I watch a guy actually LICK the circus peanut, but couldn’t get my camera out in time. There are no teeth marks. Yet.
I received some much needed Art Therapy on the Charles Street bridge from Cocoa, while Leezle manned the phone.
The girls and I visited our comics at the Comic Strip exhibit at Penn station (previously discussed).
Here’s the Midway banner on the Charles Street bridge.
The girls illustrated messenger bags at the Target tent.
The art cars were amazing, as was the air guitar exhibition.
I tried to glue circus peanuts to the Throne of Glory, but it was in constant use.
Me and my baked brains.
Here are a few of my favorite Sondheim finalists in the Fox building gallery.
I’m sad it’s over, and relieved everything went well. Now it’s back to the drawing board.