It's been freezing in my studio. After all the rain, I'm not used to damp, cold after living in Southern California for so long.
One of the ways I keep going is to take breaks, warm myself near the heater with some strong coffee, and read a bit to get my mind off thinking about my icy hands.
I've recently read Alone by Christophe Chabouté, the French comic book artist.
Chabouté published his first work, Stories, based on the work of Arthur Rimbaud, in 1993 in France. Since then, he has received numerous prizes for his very personal illustration and storytelling style.
Alone is a simple story, almost a wordless novel told in beautiful black and white drawings.
A hermit, born with facial and bodily deformities, lives in a lighthouse for 5o years, 15 of them alone after the death of his parents. Supplies are brought to him by a fisherman through arrangements made by his deceased father.
During the day, he feeds his goldfish in a bowl and pours over an old dictionary putting words together that lead to daydreams and fantasies.
One day, one of the visiting sailors leaves something with his normal provisions that change his life forever.
While the premise might sound a bit grim, on the contrary, it's a tale filled with wonder and joy.
Chabouté's command over his expressive pen line is phenomenal. In addition, his use of negative space in composition to build up pressure delivering a punch in his imagery, leaves me in awe.
This graphic novel is a masterpiece in visual storytelling.
Paperback, 384 pages
Published July 11th 2017 by Gallery 13 (first published January 1st 2008)
