Jammsessions

Yesterday Mason went to a workshop at the Alaska State Museum in Juneau, hosted by Kazu Kibuishi a graphic novelist who wrote "The Amulet" and other graphic novels. Mason was the youngest artist in the audience of mostly boys ranging in age from 8-18. It was great to see so many intent artists in one place. I think it was a great opportunity for Mason to start to connect his drawings to a story line. It was the first time he experimented with panels for his illustrations. It was also amazingly helpful for me as a mother to see how typical and normal the representations of, warfare, guns, death were in all the drawings. For awhile I was trying to steer Mason into drawing more "happy" pictures. "Please Mas, how about a nice picture of the ocean or birds". He usually appeases me but the requested pictures don't have nearly as much detail and intent. Mr. Kibuishi is clearly a normal well adjusted human and he draws tanks...so I say go for it Mason, draw what interests you.

I am also really excited to bring home a copy of the Amulet, seeing the artist and understanding how the pulling the story together goes was really interesting for Mason. Mason's comprehension and story interest is out pacing his reading level and graphic novels are a great way for him to stay interested in reading and writing.