Keynote Speech at the Monmouth County Authors Expo
Art, Writing, Connection, and the Existential Impact of A.I.
On Saturday October 7th, the Monmouth County Library hosted a Local Author Expo at their Headquarters branch. I was honored to be asked to deliver a short keynote presentation, an excerpt of which you can view here.
This was a really great event, free to the public, and free for exhibitors, bringing together all sorts of writers. Those who’ve been at it for decades, and those who are just starting out, and all sorts in-between. I always treasure the opportunity to be surrounded by creative people, working hard to make art in the hopes of forging connections with other human beings. It’s not an easy pursuit, and I admire anybody who makes the effort.
I decided to book-end my talk with readings of two of my recent New York Times “Graphic Reviews”, the cartoons I wrote about the novels Now Is Not The Time To Panic and What Are You Going Through. I felt there was a connection to be drawn between these two pieces, as they both reflect in different ways on the purpose of writing and making art. In these times, when I think a lot of us feel a little subconscious panic about the emergence of A.I. supposedly capable of creative acts, I felt it was worth thinking a little about why humans make art in the first place. I hope you enjoy the clip.
Workshops, Workshops, Workshops
I’ve been extremely busy running all sorts of cartooning workshops recently. In addition to the weekly classes I’ve been running at The Barron Arts Center, I’ve been out to visit youth groups, additional public libraries, and for the first time, I presented my one-hour Cartooning Lessons class to a group of Seniors. This was an absolute blast, and I hope to do more events like it.
Upcoming Events
Tuesdays throughout November: Comics Classes at The Middletown Public Library. This will be a free variation on my ongoing weekly cartooning classes. Intended for tweens and teens, I will walk participants through fun and engaging drawing warm-ups and try a different kind of cartooning each week. Create “Found Cartoons”, draw a collaborative Jam Comic, learn how to make a one-page self-published ‘zine. Spots are limited, registration required.
Student created “Jam” comics.
Friday November 10th, 2-3PM, Cartooning Lessons at The Princeton Public Library. A free one-hour comics-making workshop for kids aged 8-12. Learn the fundamentals of comics, and how to write with pictures. Understand the importance of distinct character design, and tell your own story using the language of cartooning.
Are You Ready For SOME FOOTBALL COMICS
I’m wrapping up production on my newest ‘zine: SOME FOOTBALL COMICS, a slim volume collecting some cartoon essays related to America’s Actual Favorite Pastime: NFL Football. This will be shipping out to members of my Almost-Monthly ‘Zine Club in the beginning of November. Sign up to receive a copy, sent straight to your mailbox!
Thanks for reading along!
Mike