I’ve
been drawing comics now for over 10 years, ever since High School.
In New Zealand, however, there has historically been very little local
industry, and it has always remained more of a hobby than a career.
I have
a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) from the University of Canterbury.At
University I did a lot of work with various student newspapers (Canta,
Caclin), and groups like Funtime
Comics. When I left University, and eventually went overseas,
comics took a back seat.Living
in Australia I got back into comics via my pals Clint Cure, Mike Fikaris
and the rest of the Malvern all-stars. My output has increased accordingly.
A lot of old stuff has finally seen print, and there is a lot more
on the way!. Most
recently I have finally moved into self publishing with my first solo
effort Progress. It’s a collection of previously unpublished
stuff, dating back to when I first left art school, and other bits
and pieces as I’ve moved around the place.
In 2001
I was awarded a joint Eric Award, along with Jo Thornley for ‘Te
Kanawa and the Faeries’ printed in Officer Pup Vol. 1. The award
for Best Short Piece (oo-er!) was shared with Toby Morris and his
excellent ‘Your Love Story’.
In 2002 I supplied the Cover, and the Kaiapoi Kid secret origin to
Officer Pup Vol. 2. 2002.
Since graduating as an Architectural Technician in 2004 I've been working in the Building Industry here in Christchurch . While that takes up a lot of my time I still publish an issue of Progress every year – around September.
I was also involved with storyboarding a NZ film “Perfect Creature” that was bought by 20 th Century Fox, and is scheduled to go straight to DVD in the States in 2007 (sigh) My involvement with that was largely due to my friendship with Director, and comic collaborator Glenn Standring.
The big news of 2006 was being awarded an Eric Award for Best Comic for Progress Vol 5. The Award Ceremony was held in Wellington as part of the NZ Independent Comics Festival 2006. Rachael my wife, and friends that had accompanied us had a great time, with lavish catering supplied by Stag Beer, and the Aro Valley Chippie. It was a proud moment for me, and ideal encouragement to get the next issue out!
(Update 2007)
Speaking of getting things out, the last day of 2006 also saw the birth of my son Otis James Lane . Since then 2007 has been a Blur. Work, home life and a new baby have taken much of my time. But fear not gentle reader, for the next issue of Progress is already on the board.
