Chris Ware

Franklin Christenson Ware (born December 28, 1967) is an American comic book artist and cartoonist, best-known for a series of comics called the Acme Novelty Library, and a graphic novel, Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, he currently resides in Oak Park, Illinois. Ware's art is extremely eclectic in its influence, largely reflecting his love of early-20th century American aesthetics in both cartooning and graphic design. He can go from one artistic style to another with little conspicuous effort. While a handful of critics have accused Ware's work of being cold and overly obsessed with technique, the majority have come away impressed with his command of the medium and seemingly limitless willingness to experiment. The more canny observer can see the strong influence of early cartoonists like Winsor McCay and Frank King (creator of Gasoline Alley) in Ware's work, especially in terms of layout and visual and storyline flow. Outside the comics genre, Ware has found inspiration and a kindred soul in Joseph Cornell, both men sharing a need to capture items of nostaliga, grace, and beauty within "boxes." He has been called "the Emily Dickinson of comics." http://www.randomhouse.com/pantheon/graphicnovels/warekiddprint.html

Non-comics work

Ware is an ardent collector of ragtime paraphernalia and publishes an annual journal devoted to the music titled The Ragtime Ephemeralist. He also plays the banjo and piano. The tremendous influence of the music and its era can be seen in Ware's work, especially in regards to logos and layout. Ware has designed album covers for such ragtime performers as Virginia Tichenor, Reginald R. Robinson, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, and Guido Nielsen.

Related Topics:
Ragtime - Banjo - Piano

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