Wednesday, December 9, 2009

WOW! Where has this Creep Been?

Or ... IS THIS ANY WAY TO RUN A BLOG?

I've been gone from the blog world for quite a while now. Part of it is being busy as a teacher at SCAD, but a good deal of it has been from a lack of knowledge of what to talk about. I've been at odds with where to go with my work and I didn't want to try and figure it out in public.

I need to be drawing something.

Here's some personal stuff ... and don't get me wrong - I'm not whining. I have felt guided towards my decision as to what to work on for a long time, but I've fought it.

Who knows why? I think mostly the fear of the unknown. Can I draw something new that "seems" new? Those "you suck as an artist" voices have been loud, but not too loud. But I've listened to them and seen my limitations.

And I haven't been happy with what I saw.

So, here's the deal:
I'm going to be in Lacoste, France for the winter quarter of 2010 teaching for SCAD (tough gig, I know, but somebody has to do it) and while there I'll be plotting and laying out the graphic novel that I've been talking about for three to four years now.

Seems about time to work on it.

I need an outlet for Tom and Tom's art and this seems to be the best solution. It also works towards my goal of doing film as I think that this story would make a great film.

Starting in January, I'll try to post some of my work process. In particular, how I work plot form even when writing for myself. I much prefer it.

I already have the basic story arc developed in my head. Now, I have to get it down on paper with the proper pacing AND choose the correct/best stories to use from my life as the stories I'm "telling" within the story of my graphic novel.

I hope you're intrigued. I am. And just a little bit scared. But I'll get over that.

Thanks for being patient with me about my posts.

Tom

Btw, here's a piece of art from my solo art show of comic illustration that was at a gallery in Brunswick, GA for the month of November. It was a great show. Pencils and inks are by me. Colors are by SCAD Grad Student, Kate Kasenow - a fine artist in her own right.

The black and white art for this sold at the show opening. Cool.

6 comments:

Andrew said...

Outstanding Tom. Here's hoping you find your feet and hit the ground running with the graphic novel.

I'm feeling a bit of the "You suck" voice in the back of my head lately. Maybe it's because I've felt I've had ZERO time to draw my own stuff (whether it be practice, or what...) And now I'm craving to work in comics more than ever (hah, as I start my first art job, even...) I guess the best solution is to knuckle down and get to work, eh?

Anycase, good luck to your endeavors! Will this be your first time going to Lacoste?

John said...

Tom, being a huge fan of your work, I am excited to see any projects you are working on. Do you do any commissions for fans?
john

Unknown said...

Tom! I'm excited to see your new graphic novel. :) I think you have a lot of good things to tell stories about, things that can touch people and make them think, and feel.

I hope you have fun in Lacoste! :D Time to learn some French!

Tom Lyle said...

Merci Beaucoup, Mademoiselle.

Thanks for the encouragement, Angel.

Sides, my man, I see your FB postings so I feel like I know what you're up to. Hope work options are good.

John- Thanks. I might be doing some commissions in Spring, but not until then. I sure appreciate that you've liked my work.

I'm hoping that this graphic novel project doesn't take as long as it seems like it might, but ... I'm doing it no matter what.

Take care.

John said...

Tom, thanks for the info. Is there an email address or anything I can contact you at when that time comes?

Unknown said...

Well, a project this personal is probably something you should take your time on and make 'right.' Not necessarily perfect, since nothing is perfect, but it should be right for you. :)

Mmm...I guess I'm saying it's about the journey, not the destination. Sorry for waxing philosophical. XD