JoySikorski.com: How to Draw a Radish July-25-2003
The Cartoony Inspiration of Joy Sikorski
A few years ago after reading a newspaper review for Joy Sikorski's book "How to Draw a Radish" I requested it from our local library. They didn't stock it and couldn't find it in their network, so they bought a copy just for the asking. I was thrilled when it came in.

It's official: I declare Joy Sikorski one of my favorite cartoony authors. I so appreciate her cute little drawing lessons in her books — probably because they appeal to my senses of humor and are par for the course for my drawing abilities. She reinforces my belief that each of us is absolutely good at something... and we will be appreciated for that something. What a Joy!

Updated April 2004: See what happens when you declare living people as your heroes? Again I asked, and guess what? Joy granted me an exclusive interview about her work and now shares some of her cute drawing lessons on the Creativity Portal! Here's her special section: The Art and Creativity of Joy Sikorski. •

I am a Nit Wit July-19-2003
The Cartoony Character I am
My favorite part of the newspaper has been the comics section. I've always thought that the most exciting careers in the world belonged to Charles Schulz (Peanuts), Jim Davis (Garfield), Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes), and scores of other cartoonists who injected some lightheartedness into the daily paper of current events and often not-so-good news. ...

Yes, I Could Do Anything! July-16-2003
Barbara Sher: If I Only Knew What It Was
I could do anything, especially when I finish reading this book by Barbara Sher titled "I Could Do Anything... If I Only Knew What It Was." 

I'm momentarily paused at chapter seven: On the Wrong Track, and Moving Fast to quickly record these snippets of 'perfect wisdom' to curing burnout and boredom.

From page 139:

"If you're burned out, learning something new or doing something creative is the cure. ... It not only begins the healing process immediately by refreshing your mind, it wakes up the imagination you forgot to use.

"Don't let anyone talk you into basket weaving ... unless you're secretly a wildly talented basket weaver. Nothing is creative or interesting unless it's creative or interesting to you!"

Barbara, you are one terrific and insightful writer; Thanks for writing this book and sharing your creative perspective with the rest of us. I hope nobody tries to talk me into basket weaving. •

Thank You, Keith Haring July-12-2003
Gifted Graffiti Artist, 1958-1990
I was introduced to the art of Keith Haring in 2002 by my daring art appreciation instructor. She shared a movie with us about Keith's life that showed how he started out as a "graffiti" artist in New York City and eventually made it big with his playful pop drawings in the art world — even working alongside the great Andy Warhol.

Keith's playful pop style immediately connected to the child within me. He taught me that art is subjective and most fulfilling when it comes from the heart. Thinking about his life and enjoying his art helps inspire me to keep working at my own artistic endeavors and to celebrate my unique, and sometimes simplistic, view of the world. I thank him for sharing his gift and for telling the rest of us, "It's okay to be yourself!"

The Keith Haring online store is called, naturally, the "Pop Shop." Visit it online at www.pop-shop.com. •

© 2003, 2008 Chris Dunmire. All rights reserved.