cartoonist and writer Emily Zilber on using diary comics to jumpstart creativity, raising twins, and seeking out support, camaraderie, and accountability in virtual community spaces
Shout out to Emily! We were classmates in Hannah Kaplan's diary comics class through Blue Stoop in 2022. May you keep on drawing, writing, painting, and comic-ing! Emily's journey makes me think of The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. I went through that program (read the book, did the exercises--once in a group) at least 3 times in my 30s, 40s, and 50s. I was stunted artistically. I'm a poet who likes to make comics, but I wasn't doing any of that. I hear and feel Emily's regret about lost time. There's something inherent in paid work, in trying to fit in society's systems that can be so draining! I loved Emily's statement: "I am a better parent and person when I actively pursue what brings me closest to myself." As Emily points out, our artistic efforts can be nurtured by online and in-person community--from classes to exhibits to open mics to accountability groups. I think we need to validate all art that is made in these spaces and that is then shared with others. Being "published" and accepted by what passes for the academy in the various genres cannot be our only measures of success. Emily's beautiful panels (may they be published in multitudes!) are clear examples of this principle!
As for what I am consuming for inspiration, I am in a deep dive into Ancient through Renaissance European art and history. I listen to "Short History of..." podcast, take very affordable one-off lectures and classes through Smithsonian Associates, and--like Emily--buy lots of books. Illuminated manuscripts...yummy!
I can relate to this so much. I have a one year old and a three year old and my pursuit to be creative outside of motherhood and work has absolutely accentuated since becoming a mum. Thanks Emily for sharing your story.
Shout out to Emily! We were classmates in Hannah Kaplan's diary comics class through Blue Stoop in 2022. May you keep on drawing, writing, painting, and comic-ing! Emily's journey makes me think of The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. I went through that program (read the book, did the exercises--once in a group) at least 3 times in my 30s, 40s, and 50s. I was stunted artistically. I'm a poet who likes to make comics, but I wasn't doing any of that. I hear and feel Emily's regret about lost time. There's something inherent in paid work, in trying to fit in society's systems that can be so draining! I loved Emily's statement: "I am a better parent and person when I actively pursue what brings me closest to myself." As Emily points out, our artistic efforts can be nurtured by online and in-person community--from classes to exhibits to open mics to accountability groups. I think we need to validate all art that is made in these spaces and that is then shared with others. Being "published" and accepted by what passes for the academy in the various genres cannot be our only measures of success. Emily's beautiful panels (may they be published in multitudes!) are clear examples of this principle!
Yay Emily, thanks so much for so much grace and wisdom! Thanks to everyone out there involved with LIFE and ART both!
As for what I am consuming for inspiration, I am in a deep dive into Ancient through Renaissance European art and history. I listen to "Short History of..." podcast, take very affordable one-off lectures and classes through Smithsonian Associates, and--like Emily--buy lots of books. Illuminated manuscripts...yummy!
I can relate to this so much. I have a one year old and a three year old and my pursuit to be creative outside of motherhood and work has absolutely accentuated since becoming a mum. Thanks Emily for sharing your story.
I didn’t know Emily’s work before this interview but it’s so thoughtful and lived in. Thanks for these beautiful reflections!