Mantaviva [lifeblanket]

We entered this strip to an EU competition, which theme was living in the European Union.
The comic has three panels where you can see a sequence of action. Most of the actions revolve around removing borders/walls and making something different with it. The panel distribution is a variation on a map of Europe, turned 90 degrees aCW. I drew the characters, Eoghan defined the colours, the black frames and half the actions. There is exchange of culture, people fishing in someone else's waters, a new country/person springing from nowhere, someone eating fruit from their neighbours' tree, a ganja closet-farm, a huge love story, and a lot more going on in Europe. My favourite is the pair who go from hachet war to coffee and chat.

storytelling - book of beasts

My initial idea came from the 'medieval beasteries' which were illustrated manuscripts that were based on parables about animals. There was one called 'the book of beasts' which I like the sound of. The parables were based on the behaviour of the animal, but because they had only ever heard some of these animals described they got creative with their descriptions of them. For example they thought there were such things as unicorns, dragons and sea monsters called 'sawfish'. They're full of random stuff like this: "The wolf may not bend his neck backward in no month of the year but in May alone, when it thundereth." You have to love it.

My ideas branched off a little and my illustrations became portraits of people dressing up as these animals, seeing as the animals themselves were metaphors for human behaviour. There's lots more I want to do with this whole thing but it might take a different form or style when I approach it again. I'm not quite done with it yet... yes, that means more human/animal stuff, I apologise in advance : )

Denise

It's Official!

The dates for the first Tinderbox Network group show "Storytelling" have been confirmed.
The Venue is "This is not a Shop" on Benburb Street, Dublin.
We have the space from Monday 19th to Monday 26th of October.
• set up on Monday and Tuesday
• show to open on 21/22th Wednesday or Thursday (feedback on this please)
• the show will close on Sunday evening and to be taken down on Monday 26th, which is a bank holiday.

So... now. The nitty gritty. We need to raise some funding money. I'm currently working on a proposal letter requesting financing / sponsorship. I need you guys to suggest potential sponsors or to approach people you believe would be willing to contribute a few bob / services. The companies / people who contribute sponsorship money will be promoted and thanked on the night as well as being included on any promotional efforts.

We need to pay for
1. the renting of the space
2. wine and nibbles for the opening
3. promotional material (ie flyers with reference to sponsors)

Those wishing to take part in the exhibition need to get in touch with me as soon as possible. I need to know how many of you will be taking part and how many pieces you'd like to submit so that the space will be used to it's full potential. email: tinderboxnetwork (@) gmail.com

This is your show guys, it will only be what YOU make it.