Syllabus Review & Flipthrough
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TITLE INFORMATION
Author: Lynda Barry
Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly
Year Published: 2012
Dimensions: 8in x 10in
Page Count: 200
Syllabus is a collection of hand-drawn and written syllabi, sketch collections, and musings from the classes Lynda Barry taught at the Art Institute at University of Wisconsin. These classes revolved around the concept of how memory plays a part in unlocking certain beneficial aspects to storytelling and drawing. Her classes provided insight into how anyone, regardless of drawing ability and experience, can benefit from consistent memory and journal exercises.
It’s extremely hard to discuss all of the fantastic elements of this book because reading it is more of an out of body experience than it is a narrative. Despite the amount of theory, philosophy, guidance, art, and how-to, the experience of reading this book is the greatest part. Part of this experience is a cognitive journey where the reader begins to uncover the ins and outs of these classes taught by Barry. Through her various lessons, exercises, and journaling assignments, the reader is thrown into this class to experience it vicariously through the work of her and her students. Barry takes the reader through the mind work of how visceral drawing is to humans despite skill and experience; with the aid of memory building and consciously remembering key points throughout the day like sights, smells, sounds, and taste, anyone can craft an amazing story.
The other part of this experience is visual. Barry is known for illustrating her books to the nines and she spares no white space in this one as well. Every page, every inch is filled with drawings, words, and flourishes that either she or her students created. Remaining consistent, all of her syllabi are also fully illustrated. Despite the pages containing so few words, digesting each page takes minutes in order to sift through all of the text, comics, and illustrations that saturate it. Any reader will have no problem spending a day fully engulfing this book. The child-like illustrations contrast with the theory and philosophy in an appropriate manner that emphasizes the message of this book even more.
There is absolutely nothing that I don’t enjoy about this book. Just to note though, I am biased. I am completely infatuated with Lynda Barry’s illustration and writing style, and have been for some years. Her style easily takes the reader out of their world and transplants them into her mind. She leaves no reservations which allows for her art to be true, raw, and unedited [although it is].
This book is perfect for a variety of audiences, making it an incredible read for all. It is definitely great for anyone who is interested in learning about storytelling, overcoming fear and anxiety when it comes to drawing and visually expression, and for anyone who is interest in journaling. Personally, I think every artist, writer, and designer should read this book because the mental investment is incredible. This book is also beneficial for professors or teachers who are interested in teaching these concepts as well, especially those who teach illustration.
There is absolutely nothing that I don’t enjoy about this book. Just to note though, I am biased. I am completely infatuated with Lynda Barry’s illustration and writing style, and have been for some years. Her style easily takes the reader out of their world and transplants them into her mind. She leaves no reservations which allows for her art to be true, raw, and unedited [although it is].
This book is perfect for a variety of audiences, making it an incredible read for all. It is definitely great for anyone who is interested in learning about storytelling, overcoming fear and anxiety when it comes to drawing and visually expression, and for anyone who is interest in journaling. Personally, I think every artist, writer, and designer should read this book because the mental investment is incredible. This book is also beneficial for professors or teachers who are interested in teaching these concepts as well, especially those who teach illustration.