Asterios Polyp

We were asked to read Asterious Polyp and discuss literary graphic novels as forms of media. I really enjoyed the novel. The story was compelling and had interesting characters. It had all the qualities of a good novel. Maybe it wasn't as involved, or as in depth at a novel could be, but the story was strong, all the same. In fact, there are many devices used in this graphic novel that can't be used in a traditional novel. Such as, making sure that each character has different speech bubbles that represent their personality. Further more, the layout of the page is important to the story telling. Different layouts can convey different meanings of the story

Service Learning Project.

I ended up doing a different project than what was initially purposed. I ended up teaming up with my roommate, Bud. We made an interactive project that involved having students draw sea-life animals (and one group had boats) and then cutting and pasting them onto a "scene" that we made.

I was happily surprised at how immersed the students were willing to be in the project. They were excited that we were there, and excited to be given direction on something they found interesting. The students were really kind. It was nice to see how I could impact their mood, simply by helping them draw, color, etc. Over all a really positive experience.

Field Trip Proposal

When we go on our trip, I'd like to do some blind contour drawings. Students would be asked to break up pairs and draw portraits of one-another on paper, with pencils, pens, whatever, without looking.

It's interesting and fun to see how the eye connects with the hand in a visual manner. It doesn't require any previous artist background. In fact, blind contour drawing is often used a device to train the eye for early "artist". It's not about how well you draw. The result is an interesting image, in this case a portrait that demonstrates the connection between what you're seeing and how the hand will move in relation. It's also fun to color the portraits after the drawing is completed.

The act of drawing someone else, especially as they're drawing you can be particularity engaging. The meditative act drawing slowly, patiently can be relaxing beneficial.

Body/Media

I chose a picture of Bruce Lee as my example for body as media. Bruce Lee spent a majority of life training to better his body. Weight training, strict nutrition, muscle and breathing control, ect. He's quoted as saying,

"Training is one of the most neglected phases of athletics. Too much time is given to the development of skill and too little to the development of the individual for participation. ... JKD, ultimately is not a matter of petty techniques but of highly developed spirituality and physique."

What I find interesting is the main stream audience that came to view the results of Lee's training. Bruce Lee's one hand finger push ups and ass kicking side kicks become a commodifiable show for many to watch, not only during live performances but on the big screen.



As a result of Bruce Lee's attempt to master his body, it became an entertaining media and genre for at least a generation.

Pulp

I’m choosing to write about the Dave Robicheax series by James Lee Burke. I understand that isn’t an early pulp novel. However the crime series holds many aspects of the genre. I’ve read (listened to) The Neon Rain and In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead.

Dave Robicheax himself is a perfect typecast of the crime genre. He’s rugged, hard boiled, emotionally wounded, a recovering alcoholic who won’t take shit from no one. Every story a puzzle and a crime that is committed. Another consistent thing about the novel is the gritty, realistic language. The dialogue really feels like it’s from the era and from the south.

In Nean Rain he’s investing gating the murder of a young prostitute. Doesn’t get much more pulp than that. The story is really saturated with details and pushes the moral envelope when it comes to racism and misogyny. While I may not agree with it, I must say it adds more to a specific time and place and helps amerce one into the story.

(WARNING not pertaining to the assignment) Just also wanted to mention that I'm doing pulp covers for my thesis. (illustration). It's funny because we talked a lot about the lurid nature of the novels. Frankly, I'm not really fan of racism or misogyny, but i feel like it's just part of the cult and culture of the time(which may or not may not be a valid excuse) Anyway, I'm doing pulp covers more for the dynamism, color schemes, ect. Mostly just the more literal aspects of the covers. I hope to get a sense of adventure, thrill, so on that the old pulp covers where able to achieve with out the exploitation of breast.

Lolita Passage

Part 1, middle of chapter 4

“She trembled and twitched as I

kissed the corner of her parted lips and the hot lobe of her

ear. A cluster of stars palely glowed above us, between the

silhouettes of long thin leaves; that vibrant sky seemed as

naked as she was under her light frock. I saw her face in the

sky, strangely distinct, as if it emitted a faint radiance of its

own….”

The morality of Lolita, in my opinion can be taken in several different ways. Parts of it are shocking. Some parts are easily coined as pornographic. Most parts are usually in some way immoral. I chose this passage because I feel it best reflects the more controversial themes and values. It’s also the most vivid of the sexual scenes in the story. Through out the novel you get the impression the Nabokov is messing with us. The novel is a joke, like some sort of dark comedy. It was his willingness to push the envelope in the context of the story that really drove that idea home.

In this passage we’re talking about Humberts first nymphet, Annebell Leigh. It is later mentioned that her death is attributes to his pedophilia. Not only that, its then said that he believes that Lolita is the physical reincarnation of Annebell. Now, the book could probably be viewed crudely for it’s openness to the idea of having sex with young woman (very young) and have it still be considered love. It is also my belief that Nabokov didn’t mean to make the novel about pedophilia. It’s just a product of the tragic-ness of the man’s desire. Desire is a huge theme in novel. Another reason I chose this quote was that is was also the first example of that theme.

Modern Fairy Tale

Everyday, John is a regular at starbucks. He sits out front and usually draws, reads the paper, does homework. You know, usual stuff. There’s a lot of regulars out there. People who come day after day, even the homeless.

A clearly homeless man sits next to John and ask him to play chess. Knowing well how homeless people conversations go, John declines. They just go on and on and on. All john wanted to do was read his paper in piece. For weeks the homeless man would ask. Every day John would decline. Until he finally caves in.

I guess he was sick of him asking. One game of chess wouldn’t hurt, right?

“what’s your name sir?” John asks.

“You can call me Brother Melvin” he replies.

“Alright well I’m John, nice to meet you.”

And the game starts. At first the game was slow. Neither person said much. Until Brother Melvin opened the dialogue with,

“You know son, Chess is a lot like dat game of life.”

John though to himself, Oh man, here it comes. I guess I asked for it.

“You have pieces going all different ways, but it’s your focus that brings you to defeat yo’ enemies. Staying calm and having peace of mind will bring one to a true state that enables dem to reach a full potential. I like to sit back and read my opponent. I can see duh mistakes they gon make.”

Brother Melvin starts winning. Like, really winning.

“Kids these days can’t understand that. They’re not ready for place in leadership.

You wait n’ see. Somethin’ real bad is gonna happen soon if someone doesn’t step up. You better believe that.”

John always considered himself a pretty good chess player. He was the best in his high school and went to states. Melvin was giving him a serious run for his money.

“You know, I’m a homeless man. Us homeless folk are the bump n’ grind of the streets. How long you think we can last out there? HOPE will only get you so fair. FAITH will only get you so far. I’m not a religious man but sometimes I pray for the end of the world. How long you think we can last like this? I’ll tell you. Not long. People do say the end of the world is coming. Just wait. Their prophecy will become our reality through the people’s negativity. They’ll be a man sittin’ on the computer when it happens waitin’ to set up HIS army for the end.”

“You nom sayin?”

John think in his head, “alright I’m down 6 pieces, but I still have a chance. I really wish this guy would shut up.” Then says out loud “It’s your move”

Melvin makes a move. Looks up at John and says.

“well my man, that’s checkmate. It’s my time to go.”

Right as he was saying “Good ga-“ Melvin closes his eyes. Claps his hands once, looks up in the air and shoots off like a rocket. He flew. He actually flew away. Everyone went on like nothing happened.