Illustrating Ideas

Though the term graphic novel is still an evolving term,there is one definite distinction from its closest cousin the comic book which sets it apart — the graphic novel suggest a story that has a beginning,middle and end,as opposed to an ongoing series with continuing characters; one that is outside the genres commonly associated with comic books,and that deals with more mature themes. If you are a graphic novel afficionado you probably know that fact,and if you are not but have a keen sense of aesthetics you could attend the The Graphic Novel Continumm,a series of two workshops on the art and business of the graphic novel with writer Rimi B. Chatterjee and Avijit Chatterjee at Seagull Arts and Media Resource Centre.

“The workshop will begin with the wild and wacky phase of brainstorming story ideas. I will do a series of imagination-freeing exercises with the participants to get the storytelling muscles limbered up. This will help people work out what kind of story they want to tell and discover what tales they may have lurking inside them,” says Rimi.

While the first workshop intended for people who have imagination and ideas but have never written/drawn for comics before,the second one will take place over a weekend and is intended for people who are already quite skilled in drawing and storytelling. It is meant for senior people who may be working weekdays. It is equally for writers and artists. Participants should ideally have a story idea to bring to the workshop,but this is not compulsory.Finally there will be a short debriefing session and some tips on publication.

The basic workshop will be conducted between August 1-6 at Seagull Arts and Media Resource Centre,while the masterclass workshop will be conducted between August 8-9 at the same venue. For more details contact 2455694243.