American Elf Volume 1: The Collected Sketchbook Diaries Of James Kochalka
by James Kochalka
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Book Summary Information
Author: James KochalkaEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2004-08-04
ISBN: 189183049X
Number of pages: 496
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions
Book Reviews of American Elf Volume 1: The Collected Sketchbook Diaries Of James Kochalka
Book Review: An Artist's Life - As An Elf
Summary: 5 Stars
What an interesting idea artist and musician James Kochalka had one day in 1998. Why not draw a daily comic strip documenting the little things that happened in his life? Where would that lead?
Well, it led to his book, "American Elf - The Collected Sketchbook Diaries of James Kochalka" which contains over 5 years of his daily comic diary, from 1998 to 2003. Individually, the comic strips have no power. In fact, individually, they seem kind of pointless. But anyone looking for a punch line is making a mistake. What Kochalka has created is a masterpiece. When combined, the strips document the daily ebb and flow of his life. He has captured the "rhythm of his life" and it will stick in your head.
Kochalka chooses to draw himself and his wife as elves, his best friend Jason as a little white dog, his friends as strange-looking alien creatures, and his pet cat Spandy as, well, a cat. We become so used to seeing Kochalka as an elf that it comes as a shock the few times when he draws himself as a human.
It's interesting which little tidbits of his life Kochalka chooses to include in his strips. He picks random events from his day, or sometimes just his thoughts. It's amazing how much time he spends watching TV and playing video games. When does he find time to draw?
Be prepared - he documents everything. The book is a little childish, a little dirty, and a little strange, but very addictive. It's a fun read because Kochalka is always optimistic and cheerful regardless of the ups and downs in his life. He's also really goofy, which adds to the fun.
Another endearing characteristic of the diary is Kochalka's obvious love for his wife, Amy. He's not afraid to document their tiffs and personal quirks, but their love overcomes all. Yeah, that sounds cheesy, but if you read the book you'll understand.
Filling out the cast of characters are Kochalka's circle of friends. As you read, Kochalka, his wife Amy, their cat Spandy, Jason, Pistol, New Guy, Kate, Josh and the rest seem to become part of your family. It's kind of strange, because these are real people, not fictional characters in a book. But this confirms Kochalka's talent. His comic strips makes these people real on the page.
Kochalka's world is one that you will want to visit often. He is a man who lives the life he wants to live, creating his art and his music, surrounded by friends and family. He sets an example that we can all follow.
Many times, Kochalka has considered quitting his "sketchbook diary". Thank God he didn't. There is an "American Elf - Volume 2" with a "Volume 3" coming out later this year. And he's still at it today, posting daily strips on his "American Elf" website.
Thank you James for putting your life out there for the world to see. It's a helluva fun ride.
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Michael Mihalik is the author of Debt is Slavery: and 9 Other Things I Wish My Dad Had Taught Me About Money. Learn how to gain control of your finances, pay off your debt, and create financial security!
Summary of American Elf Volume 1: The Collected Sketchbook Diaries Of James Kochalka
A deluxe compilation of the first five years of James Kochalka's ground breaking daily diary comic strip. Since October 1998, James Kochalka has kept a daily diary, drawn in comic strip form in his sketchbook. Drawn with relaxed and beautiful brushwork, these strips perfectly capture the rhythm of daily life. From the hilarious to the sad, from the poetic to the drunken, these strips offer a direct and intimate portrait of the life of one of America's most important alternative cartoonists. This ambitious and deluxe, perfect-bound volume collect the first five years of Kochalka's diary. Contains a full-color section.Art History Books
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