By: Lynda Barry Publisher: Drawn and Quarterly Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: Drawn and Quarterly Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 209 Publication Date: May 13, 2008 Release Date: May 13, 2008
“Deliciously drawn (with fragments of collage worked into each page), insightful and bubbling with delight in the process of artistic creation. A+” —Salon
Â
How do objects summon memories? What do real images feel like? For decades, these types of questions have permeated the pages of Lynda Barry’s compositions, with words attracting pictures and conjuring places through a pen that first and foremost keeps on moving. What It Is demonstrates a tried-and-true creative method that is playful, powerful, and accessible to anyone with an inquisitive wish to write or to remember. Composed of completely new material, each page of Barry’s first Drawn & Quarterly book is a full-color collage that is not only a gentle guide to this process but an invigorating example of exactly what it is: “The ordinary is extraordinary.”
Disturbing If you like a book jam packed full of artwork, you will like this book and on the surface, I did at first, but as I examined it closer, I found some of the pages very dark and disturbing with dark or red faceless heads with piercing eyes, or people with skeleton or ghost faces. This wasn't just one page but many pages. Also, you will find page after page of octopus', which I found rather boring after the first couple of pages. I counted almost 70 pages with octopus'drawings on them! I was really disappointed in this book and will think twice before buying anything else by this author.
truly inspiring! Lynda Barry is a creative wonder - her writing and illustration are so jam packed with originality and wisdom, the sheer density of it can seem almost a little overwhelming at first. But stick with this one, let the whole experience wash over you, and you'll find yourself absorbing the messages and laughing and learning and itching to create for yourself -- even coming out of a long drought.
Many thanks to Lynda for sharing what she's learned in such an honest, compelling, and inspiring way.
My Book of The Year! I read a lot of "spiritual" books. This is by far the best I have read in a long time. Amazing, since that is not its original intent. Lynda Barry is talking almost exclusively about writing and creating art. But right there alongside her encouraging words about craft, is the most uplifting message she can give - be yourself against all odds. And then she provides some practical tools on how to express that uniqueness we are each born with. Fantastic! I have given this book to almost everyone I know, young and old, writers, artists, and people who have no experience in either. A beautiful book on so many levels. I can not recommend this any higher!
amazingly creative This book is rich in thought as well as creative imagery. A wonderful work of art.
Great book for teachers, parents, and young adults! Wonderful work from the extremely talented Ms. Lynda Barry. This is the first time I have read one of her books and I was duly impressed. A terrific book that acts as a teaching tool, best used by parents and those seeking self knowledge, which I guess covers a lot of ground. I heartily and fully encourage all parents of young teenagers and tweeners to buy this book and work it together with their kids. Enlightening and fun at the same time!
Anything Goes Trivia
Last Kiss
Megaton Man
Tony's Online Tips
Trevor
