By DARLA MCCAMMON
Lakeland Art Association

Sean Gordon Murphy is a comic book artist and novelist. Murphy was born in New Hampshire in 1980 in the town of Nashua. Even in grade school he showed an interest and talent in drawing comic book characters. He served an apprenticeship under cartoonist Leslie Swank, then furthered his training at Massachusetts College of Art and Savannah College of Art and Design.

Murphy’s talent was recognized even before graduation and he worked on such things as Star Wars and Noble Causes and projects for Dark Horse Comic Book Company. Murphy also published a novel which won an American Library Association Award for young adults. He has since written two more such graphic novels, including some anti-Christian pieces due to his decision to become an atheist.

Murphy’s work has recently caused quite a stir. He created the cover art for a new comic book called Chromonauts. An optical illusion was incorporated into the design. Fewer than one in ten people are able to see the illusion, but others can see it easily. Look closely at the watch face and see if you see a green hourglass on a purple background. I found this very similar to those books that came out a few years ago with multiple optical illusions that many people could see but others were never able to figure out. Don’t feel bad if you cant see it, though sometimes squinting and looking quickly away then back helps, because the majority of people cannot see it. Of course they all feel it is like the Emperor’s new clothes and isn’t there at all. What do you think? Have fun figuring it out.

Upcoming and Current Events:

• The Bev Garner exhibit opens Tuesday, April 7, at Warsaw City Hall gallery. Garner is a marvelous colored pencil artist and has many awards to her credit. We will talk about Garner next week. Visit the gallery for free 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
• Small But Mighty is the current theme at Lakeland Art Gallery. This innovative exhibit is filled with art that must be smaller than 12 inches. This is your chance to enter a bidding contest and possibly walk away with work from a noted local artist at a phenomenal price. All the work in this exhibit is available for bidding. Try to fit a visit in your schedule and check out the chance to own an original by an up and coming artist. Work by Kelly Shoemaker, Teresa Smith, Bev Garner and others will be available. Lakeland Art Gallery is located in downtown Pierceton. Hours are 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Find out about some great new workshops during your visit. You may want to learn how to create something yourself. Kids workshops are coming up soon as well. If you have questions, call (574) 594-9950 during open hours.
• It’s spring show time at Lakeland Art Association. Bring your entries on Saturday, May 2. There are big prizes. Prospectus is at gallery.

More information on LAA can be found at www.lakelandcartassociation.org or on Facebook.