Eve Jeffery
Suffolk Park artist Holly English and occasional Echo cartoonist has been drawing cartoons forever, but over the last 18 months has been putting more energy in to it.
Holley’s hard work has paid off as her comic Octopus & Lamb has been shortlisted as one of six artists from over 200 entries in the Broken Pencil International Zine Awards 2019 (comic section).
Published in 2018, Octopus & Lamb is an eight-page, A4 black-and-white comic about animal rights delivered in a way that’s designed to influence, not offend.
Holly says feedback has been good. ‘The response has been hugely positive, but people have also been really confronted by the work,’ she said. ‘Some some say they didn’t know the industry was that bad.
‘I feel that comics, as a medium, are a good way to gently expose people to the truth of the meat and dairy industry that is a little less confronting than photos, but still conveys the horror show that the industry really is.
Holly says she didn’t want to exclude people by making them feel bad or saying they have to be vegan. ‘I wanted to make it accessible for everyone, and I feel I have achieved that. Changing the world, one comic at a time. It’s such a great way to share an opinion or idea, in one panel, one drawing, and humour always softens people and breaks down barriers.
Holly originally printed 250 copies but says she has almost sold out and will do another print run.
Holly says she doesn’t know the other five nominees but she has checked out their work and is impressed with the standard. ‘I’ve only just found out I am nominated and I am thrilled. Little wins keep me and my art practice going. It is so great to get recognition. With so much work just done for the love of it, it’s great to get acknowledgment. I’m so grateful.’
The awards will be announced at a ceremony in Toronto, Canada, on September 14.
Visit: www.brokenpencil.com/zine-awards for more information on the awards.
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