Much like my fellow artist: Kristen JohnsonI've been taken under the wing of comic artist and professor at University of Cincinnati's Graphic Novel class: Carol Tyler. Talk about influential! This woman is inspiring. And I don't me in the 'oh she's a good teacher and makes me feel good about my drawings.' sort of way. No. See,this woman- Is nuts. Nuts as in NUTS about comics! She loves it! She lives comics, she breathes comics, she bleeds India ink! She's 100% dedicated to her passion: comics. That's what is so inspiring. THAT is what is just so amazing about this woman. She has a beautiful soul and her artwork shows her potential.
(photo taken by: Lisa Ventre- Click on photo for Interview conducted by M.B. Riley)
Her book: Late Bloomer made it's debut in 2005.
Being her 2nd solo work it starts with an intro by Robert Crumb: who shares his opinion about her: "She's tops in my book. One of the best artists alive and working in the comics medium. Her work has the extremely rare quality of authentic HEART. Hers are the only comics that ever brought me to the verge of tears."
Her enthusiasm really influences who she teaches. She helps you tap into your undiscovered talent and and if allow her she can help you achieve things you've never even thought of.
I was lucky enough to be around the woman when she was finishing up her newest release: You'll Never Know: Book 1: A Good and Decent Man. Being taught by someone who is in her creative groove is awe-inspiring.This is part 1 of a trilogy, Tyler is her personal search of her father's experience in World War II and the stories he has to offer as well as how it affected him and her future.
Her second edition: Book II: Collateral Damage is due out in 2010.
For more information about this woman, check out her website which is cleverly designed and stands as an accurate depiction of her personality:
