Organising a festival is completely insane. I doubt people realise.
The process of making it happen probably ought to remain invisible to the outside world anyway, so perhaps that could be for another time. It may be best if I explain why one bothers to do it in the first instance. It’s simple – I’m a fan. Not a fan of art by people I’ve got no connection with, comics from America, England and Japan (though I admit to having a penchant for French and Canadian comics). I get such a buzz from seeing the visions of those around me blossom and fruit, especially since it is often such tasty fruit.
There is plenty here to build a movement, or a community. Why not build it up more with a central focus, an annual event, some sort of name? Hence Her Majesty was born … Well, the real one was born some time ago, but this slightly more subversive version is a touch more recent. Comics use and abuse icons, a powerful tool to have as a marketing ally. Used for the power of evil – the illustrators from this festival could potentially run the state in six to twelve months. Thankfully, they are only vying for a little attention … and modest book-sales.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
This is the first page of Tony Thorne’s ‘Demons’ comic, which was shortlisted at this year’s Ledger Awards in Melbourne. Tony will be at every event in the festival and has been named ‘Sir Tony Thorne of Dynnyrne’, Her Majesty’s Favourite Artist in Residence 2014.
Despite my brain becoming a touch fried in the frenzy of organising such an endeavour – I am so incredibly pleased as punch to be amongst such fine company in Tasmania and am looking forward to the events contained in this festival. I’m particularly excited to see that Her Royal Regalness has named Sir Tony Thorne as Her Favourite Artist in Residence as there is little recognition given to those who have given so much to the art world and their arts community, and in our own little way we can all rectify this.
May there be future festivals with which we can honour more local artists in this way.
Her Majesty’s Favourite Really Great Graphical Festival is on in Hobart, this weekend until 8th June.
The main image is the poster made by Christopher Downes – a hand-made screen-print of it will be available to buy on Saturday the 8th at 8pm at An Extraordinary Sequence of Events at The Grand Poobah. Don’t miss out!
Josh Santospirito is a comic-maker, illustrator, writer, musician who lives in Hobart, Tasmania. He created Her Majesty’s Favourite Really Great Graphical Festival after chatting with John Retallick from the Comic Spot one day and getting excited about local comics. Josh’s award-winning graphic novelThe Long Weekend in Alice Springs which he adapted from an essay by Craig San Roque, can be snaffled from Sankessto Publications. An exhibition of the original art from this book will be held at the top gallery at the Salamanca Arts Centre for all of August 2014.
Josh also has work in the newly released Island 137.
