Busting Out

Busting Out: I haven't gotten political with my art in a while - and while I don't want all my content to be political, 2018 is the year I finally allow myself to make it more frequently. I especially want to do more with the Liberty and Justice characters.

(Also, Jeff Koterba who makes cartoons for the newspaper here in Nebraska liked this on Instagram, and I'm still freaking out about it!)

Tools: Pencil (outlining), Sharpie Ultra Fine pen, and Pigma Micron pens from Sakura.

Cirque and Politics

It's another double piece weekend! My summer, job wise, has taken a weird turn for the better, and because of all the time that I've got, there'll be plenty more double piece weekends to come, I'm sure.

CdS-Duet: Been doing a lot of thumbnailing for my "for fun" Cirque du Soleil page project. I made a couple of these two as Zaia (the young woman) performs an aerial strap solo. So I decided to turn those images and feelings into an illustration.

Justice and Sessions: I don't talk about it often, but ever since Trump got elected, I've been in and out of states of political angst. Rather than express these feelings with words, since people use words all the time, I'm instead turning to political art. This was in response to the Jeff Sessions testimony. He looked very nervous and couldn't stop squirming in his seat or sipping water. Perhaps it was because a certain someone was haunting his desk at the moment. (I played around with some embossing filters to get this strange, nightmarish effect)

Tools: Photoshop, thumbnails (for CdS-Duet).

Rise, Liberty

Rise, Liberty: We are about to enter a very different, frightening era in American history. There is a lot of fear, anger, and uncertainty.

But we must not go into these next four years with those things weighing on our hearts and minds. We must carry on with hope, clarity, and determination. We must be able to stand up for those who are suffering. We must be able to do our research, be mindful and educated, and think critically in the face of fake news and politics. We need to take action now more than ever. And on top of all this, we must find a way to peacefully come together again.

Tools: Pencil (outlining), Tombow grayscale markers, Faber-Castell watercolor pencil, Sharpie pens, and a Pentel Slicci pen.

Wildcard Wednesday #20

This week we can expect-well, really only one drawing this time. One; because after last night, I only have the energy for one drawing, and two; I have to express my rage and grief.

Lady Liberty Weeps: Poor Lady Liberty. What else can you say?

To the rest of the world, on behalf of my beloved yet misguided country, I'm so sorry.

I didn't vote for Trump, so I'm at least at peace with myself. But I am angry. I am ashamed. I am heartbroken. I am struck to the core at how this could actually have come to pass-that we let the biggest joke walk into the White House.

But you know what? This isn't the end.

While I may need more time to grieve, I will do what I can to fight for the things I believe in, the America I believe in. An America that welcomes foreigners with open arms. An America that loves Muslims alongside Christians. An America that respects women and their rights. All these things and more. I will do everything I can with my heart and my drawing utensils. I say 2017 is going to be the Year of the Artist, because whether it's on a piece of paper or on a stage, we'll need them now more than ever. It will not be a year of prosperity-it will be a year of productivity and revolution.

I will continue to draw Lady Liberty in the stages of this upcoming administration.

Trump-The Buddha of Tyranny

Trump-The Buddha of Tyranny; From the day he announced his run for election, we all thought it was a joke. But it's not anymore. And now we're living in a cautionary tale that could take a bad turn for the worse if we're not wise with our vote.

Inspiration: I don't like being outwardly political about things like this election cycle. But in light of recent dirt dug up on Trump and the fact that this is the first election I can vote in, I have to speak out at least once. I have greatly disliked Trump from the beginning of the election for obvious reasons. Reasons such as his sexism, bigotry, bully attitude, and overall stupidity. But especially after hearing the 2005 off-camera boasts about trying to grope women, I am beyond raged.

So I made this. This is how I see Trump. This is how I feel about Trump. Send me flames or support, it won't change my feelings. This man won't have my vote.

Tools: Adobe Illustrator, physical sketch.