Sometimes you just gotta get the inner redneck out of you. Some let him loose by slipping into a drawl, others by wearing a trucker hat, and others by wearing plaid and suspenders. I get him out with a pen, and name him Delbert.
Good ol’ Delbert keeping up with where the fish are biting via his video phone.
I’m not sure exactly why I drew Delbert with a mobile phone when I haven’t even leapt off that technological precipice quite yet. When it comes down to it, I suppose I just don’t like being that accessible to folks. What is accessible to me every day, however, is my collection of plaid shirts. So I’m already halfway to becoming Delbert in real life!
At any rate, enjoy this little submission from my sketchbook of random musings.
I’m not the smallest guy around. I enjoy my pizza, burgers and just about anything else on which cheese may be included. It is safe to say that I could use a little direction with my culinary concoctions. One day a friend with her own edible issues called and suggested we go to a one-night class on food choices that our health insurance plan was offering. I thought, “Sure, I could stand to have some guidance.”
Our evening started at an Italian restaurant where we felt we would be having our last meal. Enjoying every cheesy, tomatoey bite, we slowly psyched ourselves up for the night of instruction and scolding we were about to receive. “Psyched” is right – arriving at the “class”, we were annoyed to discover that it was a group therapy situation instead of traditional teacher/class learning.
I guess the first lesson in food choices was whether or not I wanted a Milky Way, Butterfinger, or Twix when the “teacher”/therapist offered us a bowl of candy without a hint of irony behind his offer. He genuinely wanted us to enjoy ourselves. I refused any of his maniacal sweets thinking it was all a trick. One look around the room revealed that not a soul trusted that man’s candy.
That same look around the room revealed that my friend and I were two of the three youngest participants in the room. Large senior citizens occupied the majority of the chairs that had been circled together like a nocturnal wagon train protecting the central occupants from an attack of savage high fat foods. The other young participant was a skinny young woman who thought she was fat. She bolted at the first sign of a questionnaire, possibly running off to join a bulimia class down the hall. We weren’t exactly sure.
The “preacher” extolling the virtues of healthy eating that he clearly had been practicing in his own life.
Since it was a group situation, we were all encouraged to express our feelings to the whole group about food. While everyone was able to get a few words in, one gentleman across from me (possibly in his 80’s) began a food monolog not entirely unlike a sermon. He preached all about the heavenly things we should be eating, and condemned the food that brings us down. He knew it all – probably because he had been through this class several times before as we later discovered.
I was so glad that I had the foresight to take my sketchbook along with me. I had anticipated sitting at a desk facing a boring teacher at night and needed something to keep me awake. The circular seating arrangements made for a much more interesting life drawing session by far. While everyone else was taking notes about how self-esteem will make you thinner (please see my last blog post for thoughts on THAT subject), I was busy wielding my pen around creating these ink sketches of the “preacher” and his lovely wife.
The “preacher’s” wife, not to be confused with a Whitney/Denzel movie of the same name.
So, that night I learned that (alleged) bulimia is bad, vegetables are good, self-esteem classes don’t help repeat attendees, eat a good solid meal before going to a health clinic, and never EVER forget to take your sketchbook to night school.
” Though beauty gives you a weird sense of entitlement, it’s rather frightening and threatening to have others ascribe such importance to something you know you’re just renting for awhile.”
– Candice Bergen (1946 – )
The Airport Diva getting her texting done out of the way so she won’t crash an airplane by doing it in flight.
I was recently in an airport and noticed this girl sitting across from me. She was dressed to the nines in designer clothing, an expensive handbag, and pricey purchases she was going to carry on to the plane. She was quite young, probably in her early 20’s, and had an air of snootiness about her. I know it’s not really fair to ascribe to her a haughty personality without having met her, but it did get me thinking about other people I have actually known in recent years that looked like her.
I’ve noticed a certain sense of entitlement amongst people in America. They have to be first. They have to have the best. They have to have the latest in technology. They have to dress only in name brands. They have to drive expensive cars. They roll their eyes at people they feel are beneath them. The list can go on.
I have a theory….We are bombarded by media messages that “you are beautiful the way you are”, “you deserve the best”, “you can have it now and probably pay for it much later”, “self-esteem, self-esteem, self-esteem!” Parents buy into these philosophies, and teach their kids that not only can they have it all, but they absolutely will. They buy them the latest toys, video games, and movies the second they come out. The material cravings are met right away without having to either wait for it or work for it. The kids grow up into adults expecting everything to just come their way, and often don’t care who they push aside on their quest to get what they want. I wonder if the current crisis of housing foreclosures aren’t, in part, a result of these “must have it now” ideals ignoring the inevitable consequences of such arrogant thinking.
Quite frankly, self-esteem flies in the face of care for our fellow man. Even in a passage of the Bible written roughly 2000 years ago, Philippians 2:3 says “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” And what is commonly known as “The Golden Rule” flies in the face of self-esteem teaching. It often is quoted as “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This “others first” philosophy has roots in the Bible as well. Amongst several passages that relay it, Luke 6:31 says, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” The opposite of self-esteem is humility.
I don’t typically get so heady in my blog posts, but this is something that bothers me quite often. Interesting that a random airport sketch could serve as a reminder to “think of your fellow man, lend them a helping hand…”
My own Superpop (perhaps with a little artistic license on the physique) with his new Father’s Day grill. (And no, the flag is not on fire – it’s behind the grill.)
When it comes time for gift giving, why do fathers fall into a stereotype that they are hard to shop for? It is probably why the common Father’s Day gift is a tie because the kids don’t know what else to get the man who seems to not have a single need (not that he needs another tie, either). Plus, if your father is the primary breadwinner, all the money you have to spend is his anyway. When you grow up into adults, you now have your own hard-earned money, but the need to find the perfect gift for Dad is still a challenge.
This year, I and my three adult siblings all faced this common dilemma, but we decided to attack it together. Mom and Dad moved out of our childhood home last July where they had a built-in grill. Now, that sounds more glamorous than it really was. The grill was there when they moved to that house in 1974. Usually you had to clear it of wasps, then you would turn on the gas and light the single burner with a match, put your meat on the one small rack inside hoping this time the rack didn’t fall down onto the lava stones, and it had a wooden shelf off the front that Dad made (and was now weather warped) so you had a spot to rest the plate. Highly unglamorous.
Since that utilitarian grill could not be taken to our parents’ new home, the folks have been grill-less for almost a year now. We banded our forces together for the cause of good to spring for a decent grill. Grills come in many sizes and varieties now, and the new house deserves to have some open flame and smoke out on the deck.
A week ago my sister gave our dad the money so that he can choose a grill he’d like. All is now right and good in the land, so long as a fire extinguisher is close at hand.
To all you fathers out there, Happy Father’s Day. Especially to mine.
The annual Reuben Awards weekend this year was not content to lay back and be relaxed on the Sunday after the actual awards ceremony as it has been in years past. Usually after the big night when shiny things had been handed out, the next day has a leisurely brunch, and then a dinner at night.
This year marked the first time that three days of seminars were held during a Reubens. Yes, count ’em up – 1, 2, and 3 days of seminars. I, for one, was excited about it. Each year the convention is held in a different city, but as far as I’m concerned, where it is held is inconsequential because rarely do I leave the hotel until the conclusion of the convention. Every seminar had a bit of gold in it as my colleages had many great things to share on different aspects of our very cool business.
Sunday, May 30
This view greeted us from the top floor of the hotel. In the foreground is a historic train station, just beyond that is Ellis Island where relatives of mine entered this country, and then a familiar green statue.
My personal experience this fine sunny morning was to attend a breakfast business meeting with the NCS Foundation, of which I am a board member. The Foundation serves to give financial support to worthy causes in relation to our profession, as well as helping cartooning colleagues who have need of financial assistance due to dire circumstances. Earlier this year we ran a fundraiser called “Help the Hodges” to help a cartoonists family in need. In addition, each year we bestow the Jay Kennedy Memorial Scholarship Award to a worthy college junior or senior who displays a knack for possibly joining our profession upon graduation. (The award is substantial, and includes a trip to The Reubens.)
The first activity for all the convention attendees came by way of a panel discussion led by MAD Magazine‘s Tom Richmond discussing a trip many of our members took with the USO to draw for our troops at war. Joined by Pearls Before Swine‘s Stephan Pastis, Baby Blues‘ Rick Kirkman, and Family Circus‘ Jeff Keane, Tom shared many photos of their ten-day trip to Germany, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Rick Kirkman and Tom Richmond talking about their USO trip to draw for American troops overseas.Stephan Pastis (“Pearls Before Swine”) caught in a candid moment during the talk about the USO trip to arid Iraq where, apparently, he developed a fear of running out of water.Doug Bratton with Chad Frye who were acquainted in high school days in New Jersey, only to discover that each had gotten into cartooning all these years later when meeting up for the first time in over 20 years.Animation artist Mark Simon who found a creative way to display “The Family Circus” 50th anniversary pin from our goody bags.
The second seminar of the afternoon celebrated the tenth anniversary year of the comic strip Six Chix. If you aren’t aware of this strip, it’s a daily humor strip written and drawn by six terrific female cartoonists – each taking different days to do their thing. Four of the Chix (Rina Piccolo, Anne Gibbons, Isabella Bannerman, and Stephanie Piro) were on the panel to talk about their work.
Rina Piccolo, who is also known for her comic “Tina’s Groove”, talking about her experience as one of the “Six Chix”.Anne Gibbons of “Six Chix” doing her best Apple laptop ad.Isabella Bannerman sharing her tales of being a part of “Six Chix”.
Speaking of comic strips, many folks who draw them happen to be members of the National Cartoonists Society, and many comic strip artists were in attendance at this year’s convention. In a cruel, yet darkly humorous twist of fate, the local Jersey newspaper, The Newark Star-Ledger, delivered their supply of Sunday papers to the Hyatt that morning FORGETTING to include the comics section.
Brian Crane (artist of the “Pickles” comic strip) about to do a blindfolded drawing experiment for David Folkman.The Hudson River flowed beneath us crowded with Sunday boaters including a Mark Twain era paddlewheel boat!“The Secret of Kells” character designer Barry Reynolds as he adds a creepy something special to my sketchbook collection of monster drawings.
The last seminar of the convention was conducted by my friend and extremely talented character designer Stephen Silver. Stephen teaches character design for the online school called Schoolism.com. Lately he has taken it upon himself to film great cartoonists in their studios talking about their work, and even doing full-blown drawing demos all for some documentaries viewable only on Schoolism.com. The first documentary about Mort Drucker is completed, and Stephen is currently editing ones on Archie Comics’ Stan Goldberg and The Lockhorns‘ John Reiner. After showing a teaser on all three documentaries, John Reiner, Stan Goldberg, Lockhorns writer Bunny Hoest, and former MAD Magazine editor Nick Meglin (representing Mort Drucker who could not attend) all joined Stephen on stage to discuss these documentaries.
Animation character designer Stephen Silver talking about his documentary series about great cartoonists.John Reiner and Stan Goldberg seem to be eyeing Bunny Hoest’s hat to make sure it doesn’t spring to life.Nick Meglin as he talks about the Mort Drucker documentary that Stephen Silver put together.Illustrator Ed “King of New York” Steckley in the foreground, while the Empire State Building punctures a little rain cloud in the background soaking three blocks of NYC.A nice closer view of The Statue of Liberty taken from the Jersey City Hyatt with a little of the main building on Ellis Island in the foreground.
After the last seminar of the day, it was time to have one last night of fun together. The NCS gathered in the main ballroom of the hotel for some dinner and a show. The show was a fun time led by The New Yorker Magazine cartoonist Matt Diffee. Matt had several cartoonists on stage (David Sipress, Emily Flake, Mike Lynch, Drew Dernavich, Jeff Stahler, and Michael Kupperman) for a bit of improv comedy cartoonists style.
As is common with improv comedy, folks from the audience shouted out various nouns and adjectives, and Matt had the six guest cartoonists draw a cartoon based on those suggestions in a battle to the death. Well, not death exactly, but it was a mildly cutthroat battle of wits, except minus the cutthroat part. What it was, was FUNNY.
“New Yorker Magazine” cartoonist Matt Diffee hosting the “Gag Smackdown” Sunday night at the Reubens.Those entertained by the “smackdown” were Linda Houden, “New Yorker” cartoonist Mort Gerberg, and David Folkman.The great Mell Lazarus (“Momma”) enjoying the on stage doodling.Cartoonists Mike Lynch and Drew Dernavich in the throws of battle.
To keep the audience entertained while the cartoonists drew their instant cartoons, Matt Diffee had invited the comedy duo of Stuckey & Murray. Together with an accordian player, Stuckey & Murray delivered their comedy by way of humorous songs they wrote. A few too many of us cartoonists in the audience could relate to one they sang about a grown man who can’t stop wearing his Looney Tunes shirt. At any rate, these fellas will be appearing on Last Comic Standing on NBC this season, so perhaps all will get to know the names of Stuckey & Murray very soon.
The comedy team of Stuckey & Murray with their accordianist. No comedy team should go without one.Peter Gallagher (“Heathcliff”), Patti Pomeroy (part of the “B.C.” team) and Greg Walker (“Hi & Lois” and “Beetle Bailey”) among the many in the room.NCS President Jeff Keane enjoying the last night’s event that he didn’t have to work.Matt Diffee, the Stuckey & Murray team, and Chad Frye. (One item of trivia for you folks at home – Chad and Matt have known each other since college where they were both art majors and brothers in the same fraternity.)
Following the show, the socializing continued into the night in the hotel’s lobby. Here are a few bonus shots from that part of the evening:
In an attempt at getting a candid shot of Tom Gammill chatting with Matt Diffee, Wendy Peng jumped into the shot just as the shutter was clicking.Humorous Illustrator Bucky Jones chatting with Wiley Miller (“Non Sequitur” comic strip).“Foxtrot” cartoonist Bill AmendJerry Van Amerongen (“Ballad Street”) explaining the minutia of something to “The New Yorker Magazine’s” Matt Diffee and George Booth.
The following morning many departed for their homes across the globe. One last parting shot of New York City might be in order….
New York City, Memorial Day weekend, 2010
You know, many artists work at home by themselves in a fairly isolated environment. Connected only by the phone and the internet, we create our art, send it out, and many of you get to see the results. These annual treks to the Reuben Awards are such a welcome opportunity to break away from the seclusion to greet friends and colleagues for several days. We’re just people enjoying the company of each other, swapping back slaps and stories.
Arriving back in Los Angeles, I had one final reminder of the amazing impact our isolation can have. Not two days before I was chatting as colleagues with Steve Brodner, a pretty cool guy who does pretty cool art. As I was going down an escalator in the LAX airport on my way to the baggage claim area, I glided under this giant signage illustrated by Steve. The world of cartooning sure is fun!
A large ad (perhaps 50 feet across) by Steve Brodner in the LAX airport.
In my previous post about the 2010 Reuben Awards convention hosted by the National Cartoonists Society in Jersey City, New Jersey, I reported on the seminars that took place on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. After Joe Kubert’s great talk, cartoonist conversations continued in every nook and cranny of the hotel, while others started brushing off their top hat, white ties and tails. Well, maybe it wasn’t THAT fancy, but the cartoonists really cleaned up nicely for the black tie Reuben Awards banquet.
Saturday, May 29
On Reuben night, the evening started with a social hour where all the cartoonists were able to strut around in their tuxedos oohing and aahing over each other while taking lots of pictures. It’s a good thing we had our name badges because some of us cleaned up so well we were unrecognizable. Before long, though, we were called in to the banquet room where we found our assigned tables and the meat eaters among us enjoyed some chicken. There was one vegetarian meal at my table that looked as though it was half capers. Cartoonists love a good caper, but not THAT many of the edible kind.
Bill Janocha (assistant to “Beetle Bailey’s” Mort Walker), Chad Frye, John Newcombe (“Zack Hill”), and Tom Gammill (“The Doozies”) who was Master of Ceremonies that night.
Throughout the meal, we attempted to converse with our dinner companions while a band played music with the seeming intent on sending us away with hoarse voices at the conclusion of the night. The few cartoonists that enjoy dancing didn’t seem to mind it in between courses. As dinner was wrapping up, the program began with a filmed Godfather spoof starring President Jeff Keane (Family Circus) in the title role, and many other cartoonists doing their best Jersey goomba impersonations in the other parts.
Tom Gammill, writer of The Simpsons and creator of his own comic strip called The Doozies, was Master of Ceremonies. After his own short film intro, he came out on stage with a song and dance number similar to what Billy Crystal used to do on the Oscars. He was amazing! And all from one of our newest members having just joined the NCS last year. (Wait’ll you see what initiation ritual we put new members through NEXT year!)
The awards kicked off with the Gold Key Award (the NCS’ Hall of Fame award) which was bestowed upon Bill Gallo who started his career at the New York Daily News in 1941 and has remained with them ever since. Known for his amazing sports cartoons/illustrations for the paper, Bill well deserves this award considering he holds the record for being a journalist the longest for one newspaper.
The great Arnold Roth presenting the two Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Awards to George Booth and Joe Kubert.
Following the Gold Key Award was Arnold Roth who spoke about The New Yorker Magazine’s great George Booth, and the incomparable comic book legend Joe Kubert who both received the Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award. While you may see the photo below of George receiving his plaque, I was unable to get a clean shot of Joe due to his brief acceptance speech of “Thanks.”
Arnold Roth welcoming up George Booth to receive his lifetime achievement award with MC Tom Gammill in the background alongside a giant Mr. Doozie from his comic strip “The Doozies”.
Following the first few special awards and opening remarks, there was a short break for leg stretching, more band playing, and settling down with some coffee. And then, let the awards begin!!!
Barry Reynolds (character designer for “The Secret of Kells” movie who traveled from Ireland to be there) with Ronnie del Carmen (Head of Story for Pixar’s “Up”) who were both up for the Feature Animation division award.Famed illustrator Steve Brodner with Chad Frye.This is a shot of the banquet room filled with cartoonists eagerly awaiting the announcements of the Reuben Awards!Debbie Tomassi accepting her award for the best work in Greeting Cards.Tom Richmond (known for his work in “MAD Magazine”) was nominated for three awards that night, and is seen here accepting the Newspaper Illustration award, his one win of the evening.“Marmaduke” creator Brad Anderson as he reads off the winner of one of the categories.MC Tom Gammill had a few helpers on stage such as his beautiful niece Sarah Walker who quite successfully channeled Audrey Hepburn.Illustrator Steve Brodner accepting his award in the Advertising and Illustration category.Jerry Scott receiving the Newspaper Comic Strip division award for “Zits” (won with his partner Jim Borgman) from Cathy Guisewite. Phil Pyster, caretaker of all the awards, stands in the middle.Jerry Scott speechifying his feelings about winning the Newspaper Comic Strip division award (with Jim Borgman who could not attend).
After the Division Awards were bestowed upon their worthy recipients (for a complete list of winners, please visit the NCS’ official website), living legend Mort Walker walked to the microphone to award the famed Reuben Award statue originally designed by Rube Goldberg at the inception of the NCS 64 years ago. This award is for Cartoonist of the Year no matter what field of cartooning they are proficient in. It can only be won by an individual once in their lifetime, so to be honored by your peers in this way is quite an honor. Three worthy cartoonists were nominated this year: Stephan Pastis (Pearls Before Swine), Dan Piraro (Bizarro) and Richard Thompson (Cul de Sac).
Mort Walker (currently in his 60th year of “Beetle Bailey”) as he announces the winner of The Reuben Award.
The winner of the 2010 Reuben Award was Dan Piraro who was unable to attend the festivities this year. Accepting on his behalf was King Features’ editor Brendan Burford whose speech was humorously interrupted by Tom Gammill who came out sporting Dan Piraro’s signature hat and stogey while grabbing the trophy and running off the stage. Thus ended another successful awards banquet!
While the awards concluded around midnight, the celebrating continued long into the night in the hotel’s lobby, and in the President’s room. The following are a few lobby parting shots.
Mo Willems, and Reuben Award nominee Richard Thompson (“Cul de Sac”) talking with Feature Animation division award winner Ronnie del Carmen.“The Secret of Kells” Barry Reynolds, illustrator Adrian Sinnott, and “The Lockhorns'” Bunny Hoest.Book editor Charles Kochman with Chad Frye.Barbie Parham doing her best 2am Statue of Liberty impersonation with the real Statue of Liberty within sight of the hotel out those very windows.
One more post of 2010 Reuben Awards photos to come of the events on the NCS’ last day in New Jersey!
Welcome to my second report on the National Cartoonists Society‘s annual Reuben Awards weekend that happened just one week ago in Jersey City, New Jersey. What an amazing time spent with cartoonists of all disciplines (animation, comic strips, comic panels, editorial, illustration, etc.) – no fans, just pros with pros and their families. President Jeff Keane along with his helpers put on a terrific convention over the three day Memorial Day weekend.
So, when last we met, I ended with tales of the seminars on Friday. That leaves us with the opening night reception….
Friday, May 28
With a golden twilight New York City as a backdrop, “Tundra” artist Chad Carpenter, Bobbi Hart (Johnny Hart’s wife), Karen Carpenter, Chad Frye, Anica Wong (from Creator’s Syndicate), Mason Mastroianni (“B.C.” artist) and Patti Pomeroy (Mason’s mother and daughter of Johnny Hart).
As the sun set Friday night on the Hudson River, a beautiful golden glow enhanced the view of the New York City skyline while all the cartoonists gathered in a beautiful banquet room surrounded by windows. The 2010 Reuben Weekend opening night party was underway. In one corner you could see Garry Trudeau (Doonesbury) chatting with Jerry Scott (Baby Blues & Zits), or Mell Lazarus (Momma) in conversation with Cathy Guisewite (Cathy). It was a great way to kick off the rest of the weekend properly.
Illustrator Sean Kelly taking a photo of Kate Reilly and Wendy Peng posing with a paper cut-out of Paul Gilligan’s (“Pooch Cafè”) girlfriend (made by “Secret Saturday’s” Jay Stephens) who couldn’t make it past Canadian customs.
After the opening night reception, the gathering herded to another room on the first floor for a little cartoonist karaoke and more socializing. For some odd layout reason, the room was located at the end of a residential hall of the hotel. All the guests staying on that hall were “treated” to the sounds of off key cartoonists. I have a feeling that those guests had little idea that many of the people who make them laugh every day in the newspaper were now making them cry as they tried to sleep through the racket that carried on until 2am. Below are a few shots from that event.
Mark Tatulli (cartoonist of “Lìo”) belting out “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” from “Oklahoma” in the best cowboy garb this Jersey cartoonist could assemble..Children’s book author/illustrator, greeting card maven, and really nice lady Sandra Boynton, who participated in the karaoke by bringing along her singing kids.“MAD Magazine” art director Sam Viviano singing songs HIS way even though he was attempting Sinatra.The two Ricks – Rick Stromoski (“Soup To Nutz”) and Rick Kirkman (“Baby Blues”).Keelan & Barbie Parham looking far too fresh-faced in the midst of exposure to 1am caterwauling.Kate & Michael McParlane (editorial illustrator) doing their best “I Got You Babe” impersonations.
Saturday, May 29
When one attends the Reuben Awards convention, one does so knowing full well the fragility of sleep. When an organized event has ended, cartoonists always gather in the hotel lobby to continue the socializing. I often went to bed at 3:30am throughout the weekend, and was by far NOT the last one up. Mornings are a bit rough, especially Saturday morning when breakfast was served to everyone at 8am. New York was looking pretty good, though. Or maybe this was just the view through groggy half-lidded eyes:
New York City, 2010
After a morning of breakfast and the annual general membership meeting, the second wave of seminars began. Saturday afternoon promised us two of our profession’s greats who were attending to receive their Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Awards that night. The New Yorker’s George Booth and the comic book artist of legend Joe Kubert both shared their careers with us in seminars. I’ll let the pictures (and captions) do the talking.
Cartoonist George Booth (assisted by his daughter Sarah) enlightened the afternoon crowd with many humorous stories of his life and career.Among the many enjoying George Booth’s talk were illustrator Sean Kelly, greeting card artist Barbara Dale, and “Cathy” cartoonist Cathy Guisewite. Just off to the left is Stephanie Piro of “Six Chix”.Dave Coulson, Adrian Sinnott and Frank Pauer looking over some original comic strip art.Two comic book legends greeting each other – Jerry Robinson (from early “Batman” comics) and Joe Kubert (“Sgt. Rock”, “Hawkman”).Joe Kubert looking on as Bill Janocha (assistant to Mort Walker) shows Joe an original splash page of “The Three Stooges” comic book that Joe drew in younger days.Cartoonists Doug Bratton and Graham Nolan (“Rex Morgan, M.D.”) enjoying Joe Kubert’s talk. Just to the left you can see Brian Walker (“Hi & Lois”) and on the right Patrick McDonnell (“Mutts”).Joe Kubert answering a question during a riveting Q&A session.Jerry and his wife Gro Robinson enjoying the talk being given by their friend Joe Kubert.Patrick McDonnell with Ronnie del Carmen. Patrick created some development art for Pixar’s “Up” movie, and Ronnie was the Head of Story on the Oscar-winning film.David Folkman has been collecting artist drawings created while blindfolded. Here he takes Joe Kubert’s picture as he attempts to draw his character Tor.Here Joe Kubert adds a better drawing of Tor next to the one he drew while blindfolded.
Come back for my next post that will feature photos of cartoonists in tuxedos when I’ll discuss the actual Reuben Awards banquet!
When Memorial Day weekend rolls around each year, cartoonists from around the United States, and a few internationally, gather together to swap stories, slap each other on the back, and give each other awards. This annual ritual is called the Reuben Awards which has been hosted for the past 64 years by the National Cartoonists Society.
Each year the three-day convention is held in a different city. Conventions in the past have been held in Boca Raton, Pasadena, Kansas City, Orlando, San Antonio, Asheville, Cancun and even a few cruise ships to name a few. Last year’s event was convenient for me as it was held in Hollywood, CA just about 15 minutes from my home. Perhaps when you look at Patrick McDonnell’s (Mutts) artwork below, you can tell where the NCS met this year….
Patrick McDonnell’s terrific artwork set the tone for tired, poor and huddled masses of cartoonists yearning to breathe free from deadlines for a few days.
If you guessed New York City, fuhgeddaboudit. We did that eleven years ago at the World Trade Center. No, this year the Reuben Awards were held in good ol’ Jersey City, New Jersey. We all scratched our heads over that one at first, too. My father worked several decades in Jersey City in the banking industry, and after many visits to him in the heart of the city, along with spending my own summer working in a warehouse there during college, my opinion of the area was vividly unrewarding. But in the last 10 years, Jersey City’s waterfront area has undergone a transformation leading the cartoonists to find themselves at the lovely Hyatt hotel that faced the amazing New York City skyline.
Thursday, May 27
I arrived on Thursday, May 27 meeting my fellow Californian friends Stephen & Heidi Silver at the airport in Newark. We cabbed our way to the hotel where we were first greeted by the ever smiling Nick Meglin who spent much of his career running MAD Magazine. The Hyatt is literally IN the Hudson River by the way. It was built on a pier sticking out into the water. When I arrived in my room, the following sight met my eyes through the window – not too shabby, eh?
The view that greeted me through the window of my hotel room at Jersey City’s Hyatt.
The convention wasn’t getting underway until Friday morning, so Thursday night was mine to play with. Cartoonists were already starting to gather in the lobby exchanging hugs and “hi-how-are-yas” after a year of being apart. I grew up in that part of Jersey, so I was getting together for dinner with my good friends Andy and Stephen Woetzel – brothers I have known since being in the first grade.
Andy (Anderson Cooper) Woetzel, Chad Frye, and Stephen Woetzel with New York City as a backdrop.
After my friends went home for the evening, any cartoonist in the lobby was invited up to the President’s room where Jeff (Family Circus) & Melinda Keane entertained those brave enough to stave off sleep after a day of travel. The following are a few photos from that gathering:
Pennsylvania freelance cartoonist David Coulson and “Simpsons” writer and “The Doozies” cartoonist Tom Gammill.Mell Lazarus (“Momma”) and Jersey cartoonist Tom Stemmle in front of artwork rejected from ABC’s “LOST” show.It’s a cartoonist totem pole with Florida cartoonist Eddie Pittman in front, and “Pearls Before Swine” cartoonist Stephan Pastis.Just a shot of part of the room with Mell Lazarus (“Momma”), Tom Stemmle, Stephan Pastis (“Pearls Before Swine”), Amber Harrell, Eddie Pittman, Tom Richmond (“MAD”), Rick Kirkman (“Baby Blues”) and Rob Harrell (“Adam@Home”).
Friday, May 28
Daylight came much too quickly on Friday after the early arrivers spent much of the night reacquainting themselves with one another. But the first of three days of seminars was about to start with Larry Katzman (known as “Kaz” in his panel cartoons from earlier decades) spent time reminiscing about the NCS of the past showing plenty of photos of those who have gone on before us including Rube Goldberg for whom the Reuben Awards are named. Larry was followed by Yaakov Kirschen, a Jewish cartoonist from the United States who made a name for himself drawing his Dry Bones cartoons in Israel for many years.
Later in the afternoon, the amazing Steve Brodner spoke about his unique and incredible work in illustration. I first saw his work when I was a college student many years ago and have been a fan ever since. Steve brought many samples to show with stories behind his work that kept the audience of peers captivated. And not only is Steve’s work truly inspiring, but he was also a swell guy – a great combination!
Jerry Van Amerongen (“Ballard Street”), illustrator Steve Brodner, and illustrator Arnold Roth.John Read from “Stay Tooned” magazine, Eddie Pittman, and animation character designer Stephen Silver captivated by Steve Brodner’s talk.Illustrator Steve Brodner striking a pose while talking to the room of cartoonists about his magazine work.
Following Steve Brodner’s seminar was Bill Plympton, a man who has made a career of creating animation independent of any other studio and often doing all the drawings by himself. He’s even earned an Academy Award nomination for his efforts in the past. Bill regaled the room of fellow cartoonists with tales of his work, and even took a break now and then to sketch for the audience and to show them some of his animated short films.
Animator Bill Plympton sketching a character from his upcoming feature film.Hillary Price (“Rhymes With Orange”), Tom Gammill (“The Doozies”) and Jersey cartoonist Doug Bratton enjoying Bill Plympton’s chat.Bill Plympton relaxing a bit as the audience enjoys one of his animated short films.Taking relaxing to another level is official NCS photographer David Folkman on a break from his duties as he watches a Bill Plympton’s film.After Bill Plympton’s talk, cartoonists gathered to buy his DVDs and books. Several seen at the table were (L to R) Dave Blazek (“Loose Parts”), illustrator Adrian Sinnott, Peter Guren (“Ask Shag”), illustrator Sean Kelly, a few unidentified folks, Kassandra Heller, Chris Houghton (winner of 2009’s Jay Kennedy Scholarship) and “For Better or Worse’s” Lynn Johnston.Everybody is a fan of Bill Plympton’s work, even the legendary Jerry Robinson (creator of Batman’s Joker) seen here receiving an autograph & sketch from Bill.And speaking of Jerry Robinson, here’s Chad Frye with the legendary comic book creator.
There are much more photos to come from the 2010 Reuben Awards weekend! Come back again for a deeper look into what cartoonists do together when no one is looking!
