Hope everyone’s week five is going well and you are enjoying the autumn Oregon rains!

We were excited to hear about, and see everyone’s comic book progress in our last class.  Keep up the wonderful work!

Some reminders:

1. Remember to attend the upcoming social Mazzy has planned with the other comics FIG!  Details were emailed to you on Wednesday (Oct. 29th).
2. We will try and get you Achievement updates soon.

Important Note:  Your 1:1s with Robert are starting next week.  For this meeting:

1. 1. Meet at my office in PLC 58 (Prince Lucien Campbell Hall).  My office is on the same level of PLC as our classroom.  Go past the classroom and past the Faculty Canvas Support Services in room 68.  Turn to the right at the end of the hall, my office is the second to last one on your left before you reach the stairs exit.  You are welcome to check in at the support desk in room 68, they can point you to my office.
   2. Bring your comic books, for I want to check in on your progress and it is important to see your planned formatting to take notes for the printing/scanning of your work.
   3. Be ready to talk about how things are going in this class and your first term at the UO.
   4. Bring in any questions you have for me.

That’s about it for this week.  Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Robert and Mazzy

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the later than usual announcement.  With Robert’s jury duty and Mazzy being ill this week we are a little behind.

We are now headed into midterms, and what looks like the Oregon rains.

We hope everyone enjoyed the visit to the Museum of Art and Professor Kelp-Stebbins’ introduction to the really fantastic “It’s (Still) A Magical World, Hobbes, Ol’ Buddy” exhibit.  By the look of the worksheets turned it, you all got a lot of Bill Watterson’s themes and wonderful comic aesthetic.  Again, the Museum is free to students and you saw only a VERY small portion of the art it has on display, we totally recommend you all to come back (more information about the Museum’s hours and admission).

“Look! I caught a butterfly!”, 1995 | Bill Watterson, b. 1958 | ink on paper | L2024:34.32

As we keep saying, and will keep saying (!), keep working on your comics!  We will have more studio time next class after a midterm check in discussion.

Talk to you next week!

Robert and Mazzy

Hi everyone!

Gojira (1954)

Thank you for the discussion about the power of images and comic books, and thinking about the ways in which visuals can be used to tell powerful stories and convey important cultural and historical messages.  Also, thinking through the challenges of how an artist and the reader/viewer of a work can see it very differently.  As you all discussed, a work of art, like a comic book needs the artist to define the themes and deeper meanings but also the reader/viewer needs to have the space to bring in their own thoughts and views.

Please continue to explore these ideas as you work on your comic projects.  Especially think about that interplay between you as the artist and your readers, and ways in which you can create visuals that go beyond just a simple surface level representation.  Like the original Godzilla (Gojira, 1954) and what might seem simple on the surface can represent something much deeper (WW2 trauma, atomic bombings, and fire bombing death and destruction).

Updates for the upcoming week and next week’s class:

1. 

   Front entrance for the Museum of Art: See you there next Tuesday!

   Reminder we will be having a tour of the UO Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art during our class time next week.  We will meet up at the front of the Museum (see photo to the right).  When visiting the Museum think about the discussion we had this week and also bring in what you have learned in ENG 280 and ASIA 399 so far this term.

2. As part of the Museum visit please review their Visitor Guidelines.
3. Social event meet up at the ASUO Street Faire Thursday (17th) at 3:30pm.
4. Tomorrow is a UO Craft Center artist talk and workshop about zines!  If you attend and take photograph proof you were there, we will give you an Achievement for attending!  For information about this talk and workshop see our Fall Artist Talk and Reception & Making Zines with Erika posting.

As always if you have questions please reach out to us!

Best,

Robert and Mazzy

Captain America addressing cultural moments in different ways!

Hi!

Going along with our discussion about zines in our last class, here is a wonderful opportunity coming up this Friday at the UO Craft Center!

Welcome Erika Rier!
Artist Talk and Reception: 10/18, 12pm-1pm

The Craft Center invites you to explore the unique and captivating work of interdisciplinary artist Erika Rier. Self-taught, Erika creates in a style she calls Folk Surrealism, blending painting, ceramics, and art zines. Her journey has taken her across the country from New York City to Washington State and now to Portland, Oregon, where she resides with her husband, daughter, and beloved cat. To see more of Erika’s work, visit her website.

Don’t miss Erika’s Artist Talk on October 18th from 12PM – 1PM, where she will discuss her creative process and inspiration. This event is free and open to the public. Register for artist talk here.

Making Zines with Erika: 10/18, 1pm-4pm

Explore the creative world of zine-making with Visiting Artist Erika Rier! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll dive into the history and techniques of art zines, discover how to use visual storytelling, and develop your own unique zine. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, Erika’s expert guidance will help you bring your ideas to life in this fun and dynamic workshop. All materials are provided—just bring your creativity!

Date/Time: Friday, October 18th from 1pm-4pm
Location: Craft Center
Pricing: UO Students – Free! // Non Students – $10.00
Register for Making Zines here.

From Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (SVPE) and the Women’s Center:

To kick off the school year, the Women’s Center and Sexual Violence Prevention Education (SVPE) would like to invite all students to join us at our Red Zone event on October 15th at 5:45pm in GSH room 130. The Red Zone signifies the time between September and November in which 50% of sexual assaults occur on campus. To ensure that our student body is well informed about the significance of the Red Zone and feels empowered to live comfortably on campus, we will be giving out goodie bags at our event that include a variety of self-care items, resources, and other fun trinkets.