Introducing American Caricature
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| Author | Tom Faraci |
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| Genre | Article |
| Published | EF Issue 2015.2 |
Publication date | Spring 2015 |
| Media type | Digital |
| Pages | 18-19 |
| Website |
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This introduction to the caricature documentary was written by Tom Faraci and appears in the digital version of Exaggerated Features Spring 2015.
Article Transcript
The idea of a caricature documentary is one that has been teased in the past but never fully explored. I think a good majority of us have at one point considered the possibility of a TV show or a movie about the lives of caricature artists, and why not? A pitch for a scripted workplace comedy along the lines of “Clerks” or “Waiting…” wouldn’t be a tough sell. Alternatively, I’m sure some could see what we do as an ongoing series, a reality show featuring actual artists dealing with customers and co-workers. I would argue that the ingredients that make similar shows about specialized professions successful are all there in the field of live caricature. And yet, we continue to exist woefully underrepresented in American pop culture. I never thought I’d be the guy to do it, but over a short period of time, the idea of putting together a caricature documentary kind of started to make sense. Here’s some background. I’m working on this project with my good friend Joe Ciomek, a filmmaker in Cleveland, Ohio. Joe has put together a handful of short films and music videos, and he’s been looking for a new project to work on. He and I had talked in the past about doing something involving caricature ― the idea was there, but intangible. Between his day job and my travel schedule, it was difficult to arrange anything. That changed at this year’s convention. When it was announced that Sandusky, Ohio, was going to be the city hosting the 2015 convention, I asked Joe if he would want to film it. He responded with an enthusiastic “yes” ― and so the first seed was sown. Now that it had been established that we were going to film the convention, we needed to figure out an angle. We had literally a whole year ahead of us. So with time on our side, we got to work. After many texts and emails were exchanged, we decided ISCA would have more of an impact as part of the film if we could showcase some artists prior to the convention. Some of you may know that I draw at fairs and festivals with Rob Hren and his business, In Your Face Creative Studios. Rob agreed to let me bring Joe along on a few shows to shadow us at work and touch a bit on the lifestyle of the traveling caricature artist. So with travel being established as a theme, we took the opportunity to knock on the doors of a few artists in areas we were passing through. That way, we can throw some standalone interviews into the mix to round out the film. A huge thanks to everyone who’s been involved so far, by the way! We’ve managed to gather some really great stories and insights from some of the best artists in the field. And here we are. Joe and I are making a documentary about caricature artists. We’re filming the ISCA convention. We’re filming Rob Hren’s festival season ― artists, guests, shenanigans, the works. We’re interviewing artists as our paths cross. We already have hours of great footage, and we can’t wait to start putting it together into something coherent. Ideally, the final film, in whatever form it takes, will appeal to caricaturists and general audiences alike. And it should. You’re all a likable bunch. And on a somewhat serious note ― this started out as a personal project, something to keep myself busy and focused. But it’s already turned into so much more than that. I’ve been welcomed into the homes of so many talented artists who were happy to embrace the idea of this project and share their time and stories with us. When I think back to that, I realize this movie isn’t mine and Joe’s. It’s everyone’s ― anyone who has been or will be involved, anyone who will watch it, and anyone who has a passion for caricature or art in general. My promise to myself and to all of you is this: It will not suck. With that in mind, I’d like to present the first piece of footage from “American Caricature.” In it, Sean Gardner discusses the philosophy and formation of Zombie Caricatures. It’s a longer stretch of interview than we’re likely to use in the final film, so keep in mind it doesn’t necessarily reflect the tone of the movie itself. This clip is exclusive to Exaggerated Features, and to make it even more special, we’ve reached out to a good friend of ours to introduce the clip. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr. Jimmy “James” Jamz. Thank you.
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