Everyday Things

Everyday Things Copyright Josue Menjivar 2007

Yesterday I spent the entire day immersed in art. The day started off with driving into Vancouver to meet with my friend Penn. We went up to Heritage Hall where they were holding a comic book sale. (Yeah I know what you are thinking-"Comic books?!?" but read on!)

Inside there were table set up around the room, each one belonging to a different artist. Each artist had their own hand drawn comics for sale. The books came in all shapes and sizes, some were low tech-photocopied and stapled and others were more professionally produced. All of the artists had several different comics to choose from and most of them ranged anywhere from $1.25 -$5.00. A few of the professionally printed ones were $10-$20.

We made our way around the room, looking at all the different comics and buying as we went. What was really cool was seeing some of the artists drawing while they manned their tables. I always enjoy watching people make art.

Eventually, we came to Josue Menjivar's table. (Apologies that I can't seem to make an accent on the "e" in Josue's name.) Penn was familiar with his work and explained a bit about it to me while we looked. Josue had a stack of his original copies of his comics sitting there and invited me to look through them. I came across the one shown above and that hooked me. I loved the sentiment of looking for magic in the everyday.

Then I saw this one and went crazy over how wonderful the typewriter was drawn (LOVE IT!) and the message was just so bang on. I had to have this book! I asked Josue if it would be okay to share this with you here on my blog and he was very gracious in granting me permission. He's incredibly personable and I liked how he was proud of what he does and yet is so humble at the same time. In reading these comics, I instantly felt connected to his work. I love the quirky way he thinks and the simplicity of how he can express the things we all think and feel at one time or another.


When I bought his comic, he asked if I would like him to draw me something in the front cover. Would I?!? You bet! So I handed my book back to him. He took out a black brush pen and in a matter of about a minute and a half, drew the typewriter I so loved for me. VERY COOL! I am now a fan.*grins*

Josue is a delightful person and if you would like to know more about his art or order a copy of Everyday Things you can visit his website Fresh Brewed Illustration. His other comic series is called Way Off Main and has three volumes that can be ordered individually or as a set. He also has some interesting photographs taken around town that you might also enjoy.

After lunch, we went back to Penn's place to play with paint. We spent hours creating tons of backgrounds. I have to say it was very addictive and the afternoon passed without either of us noticing. By the time I looked at the clock, it was after 7 p.m. and time for me to clean up and head for home. It took me awhile to get most of the gesso off my hands (thank god for a nailbrush!) but I can still see bits of it here and there and my fingers are tinged a lovely shade of purpley-blue. No matter-I figure I'm not having fun unless I am getting messy!

I love these pieces. Now I just need to decide how I want to use them. I think I will likely colour copy them so I can use them more than once.

So, it was a good weekend and one I really needed. It just felt so good to be able to sit down with a friend and experiment and play. I think we both learned alot. A couple of my experiments hit the garbage can, (I kept saying "Oh that was ugly!" and then tossed it which became a bit of a joke.) but for the most part, I was pleased with what I accomplished.

By the by, I just wanted to point out that this is my 800th post! When I started this blog, I didn't ever stop to consider how many times I would post to it, but today I just happened to notice. I hope that those of you out there reading-commenters and lurkers alike are enjoying my ramblings. It's really nice to hear from you when you comment and though Blogger doesn't have a set up that allows me to hit "reply" and respond directly to your comments, please know that I read and appreciate each and every one. Thank you!