Editors John Lent and Xu Ying recently toured Southeast Asia, and wasted no time in tracking down local comic artists. Their time in Cambodia saw them visit Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
After meeting with creators and academics, it looks like some plans are in motion to develop a ‘symposium’ of Cambodia comics articles in an upcoming issue of the Journal.
“How To Draw A Comic in 20 Minutes.” by Our Books Managing Editor John Weeks.
(Above: Aimeng Pattanaiem and Hang Dao: ‘Is this guy serious’? Thanks to Minh Ngoc for photo.)
After a quick breakdown of tools, topic and format we jumped in, and shortly after took digital photos of the results. (When would we get another chance?)
The 24 Hour Comic is a ‘free drawing’ exercise designed to unlock creativity. Our Books has been developing Project: 24 since October 2008 to gradually introduce Cambodian artists to this unique exercise and the global comics community.
This year marks the first time Cambodian comic artists will attempt to ‘go the distance’ for a full drawing day. Cambodian and overseas artists are welcome to join the drawing marathon at Java Café’s new downstairs space, beginning at 8am SHARP October 03.
Art supplies, paper and coffee will be provided until 8am the following morning. One-page efforts from 2008 will be posted as example and incentive for this year’s effort.
All artwork will be posted as it is finished on the walls of Java Café, to be exhibited for the following month. A live webcam linkup and Twitter feed will be accessible via http://www.javaarts.org . Staff from Cambodia’s comics nonprofit Our Books will be on hand to scan pages and assist overall documentation of the event.
• Artists: bring your ideas and enthusiasm, we will see who makes it to 8am the following morning!
• Amateurs: all nationalities are welcome, regardless of your skill level, please feel free to give it a try!
• Enthusiasts: enjoy reading comics? Check in on use in person or via the web to see art in action and cheer us on! We’ll need all the encouragement we can get!
• Pages will be on sale for $24 a page, at the discretion of the artist. (We request that they remain on display at Java for the following month’s display.)
As with the previous year, we offer participants a ‘Cambodian Variation’: One artist – one page – one hour of the day. Many Khmer artists have jobs, school, and family obligations, but all artists who have an hour to spare are welcome to join the exhibition!
‘Best of’ pages from 2008 and 2009 will be collected in a photocopied ‘zine’ collection and archived on the web as a ‘Who’s Who’ of contemporary Khmer comic art by Our Books, as well as sent to the permanent 24 Hour Comics archive.
Thanks to all our overseas friends who encouraged us and said hello! Cheers to ComicsLifestyle.com for hosting & PulpFaction.net for facilitating this year’s challenge!
Here are some of the results below. (Click to enlarge)
Tuy Chanthoeurn
Chan Pisey
Peou Ty
Tek Tevin
Kong Monirath
John Weeks
Moeu Diyadaravuth
Try Samphos
In addition to drawing some one page / one artist / one hour comics, we also conducted two impromptu workshops for children from Aziza school. Ranging from grade school to high school age, this was unexpected and a lot of fun. (Below: Moeu Diyadaravuth and Chan Pisey)
Watch this page, more to follow as photos and emails trickle in!
We are in the process of sorting the art that emerged from workshops and creators to share on the walls of ‘Living Room Café. Come by Monday for a look!
