Theo Ellsworth

I just finished reading one of the most precious books I have ever encountered.  Capacity by Theo Ellsworth is a collection of Ellsworth's comics, all woven together with another sort of meta-story about his process of creating the work (as well as the reader's experience reading it).  There is so much to love about these stories, it's tough to know what to focus on.  I suppose first, I'll say that the art is some of the most intricate, imaginative, exuberant (etc.!) I have ever seen.  Each panel is teeming with monsters, patterns, textures, architectural details, cosmic ornamentation, silly sacredness, and eye boggling whimsy.  Stylistically, it reminds me a bit of a more psychedelic Mark Alan Stamaty.  Narrative-wise, Ellsworth explores such topics as dreams, creativity, the unconscious, and inner visions.  As a storyteller, Ellsworth is tender and truthful, baring both his struggles and his generosity of spirit toward the wondrous world that we live in - and that lives within him.  I cannot recommend this book highly enough.  I picked it up at (all together now) MoCCA Fest, from the awesome small publisher Secret Acres.

Comments

[Ian Bruce]

Theo's contact info or next showings?

Thanks!

[Pam]

Check out his website: http://www.artcapacity.com/ Should have all the info you need

[Kelly Patton]

I took your advice on this one and could not resist the description and artwork. I just finished reading it and was blown away. Its true, there is so much to say about what this book reveals. And he is so good at including the reader, I was sad to finish it, but I will follow his site in great anticipation for his next comic.

[Pam]

YAY! I'm so glad. He is a treasure.