I began drawing The Contortionist when I lived in New York City and just moved to Montreal. It was as an intensely creative time for me as I was at the height of my circus career and considering my options for another path that eventually lead to Graphic Design.

The concept is a travelling circus that crosses the continent by train, populated by a troupe of misfits. The circus is only a backdrop as I explored the development of characters and their relationships. I’m not sure what I ever wanted to do with this or where I wanted it to progress but as I edit it for this site I appreciate these creations greatly and happy to relive these situations.

When I started sketching The Contortionist I found it so fun to draw his body in these twisted pretzel shapes. I originally called this panel ‘A Day in the Life of the Contortionist’ as I felt the need to develop his character better. I’m not sure I succeeded here (or yet in the entire series) but this has some nonsensical fun none-the-less.

Carl the Smoking Elephant is a main attraction in the travelling circus as he is the only animal in the troupe (world?) who can talk. He is hot headed and an activist for every cause that crosses his path.

I wrote The Contortionist around 2008 - 2009 when it was becoming clear that newspapers were going extinct. I love the three beat panel set up of newsprint comic strips and tried to keep that format alive as I imagined these. Originally I drew a flip phone, I edited in a smart phone here as I think the juxtaposing technologies are interesting.

This one might be my first drawing. I always wanted to to walk the edge of subversiveness and never intended this circus themed comic to be for children. Well here is proof of concept…

This is the only strip I did specifically for Ninja Giraffe. I wanted another anthropomorphised animal but I wanted Carl to be the only one who talked. A stealthy ninja would be a perfect reason never to speak but complex enough to develop stories on its own.

Sad clown was conceived from a conversation I had with an actor friend when I asked what circus experience he had. He remarked that he was once in a clowning class but that there was just a lot of “sad clown.” I understood immediately what he meant and Sad Clown was born.