A few weeks ago, our incredible contributor, Ruth Chang, sent me these comics and notes to Joanna and me. I still cry reading them, so did you think they might resonate with the readers of CoJ? ”
As soon as I clicked on them I felt my throat tighten and tears erupted too. I saw just a few of myself, as each cartoon features adorable animals sharing confessions about losing or accepting hard-earned lessons. This is the manga and Q&A with Ruth…
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Jannelle: What was going on in your life when you drew these comics?
Ruth: I was 32 years old and I was separated from my husband. and I lost my job. I had to move out of our joint apartment as I had no income to stay. Everything I knew suddenly disappeared.
That’s very difficult.
I was very depressed. The only thing I could manage was to walk my dog and paint portraits of these animals. I started with just one and then continued making one a day. Looking back, I can say that creating them is my way of dealing with everything I felt.
What kind of job did you get fired?
I was involved in community-based non-profit management, but actually drawing these portraits gave me courage and excitement and said, “Oh, maybe I’m do I want to be an illustrator. “I was at the bottom so I couldn’t go anywhere. These portraits were the beginning of building a portfolio. I also started taking illustration classes for books for kids. Visual Arts School.
Which comics from this series resonate the most today?
Marching Band 1. Lately, I’ve been trying to stop controlling things. Because as a parent, I’m all I’m about controlling chaos. But I have to actively tell myself Understood What if my daughter gets messy? It’s fine if she doesn’t eat too much lunch because she wants to spend time outside. Make your day unpredictable. the Are you okay. ‘Because it’s when something amazing can happen, do you know?
That’s a great lesson.
Also, bowling pin 1. Even though I know my friends and family are there for me, it’s very difficult to ask for help.
What did your friends and family do when you were experiencing a divorce?
My friend Jane brought up an idea for us to share a Blue Apron subscription. I think it’s a way to ensure that I wasn’t eating alone or even that I was eating in such a thoughtful and lovely way. Every time I think about that era in my life, I remember the devastation. But I’m also constantly overwhelmed by the amazing way my friends intervened without being asked.
Many of these comics are about accepting your whole self. What have you learned about owning your personal identity?
What I like about these portraits is that all animals are defective. They’re a bit goofy, or a bit broken, or a bit weird. And I think it understands the idea that being our real selves helps us connect with other people. Trying to be perfect around each other is a barrier to building a real-life intimate relationship.
Finally, what do you say to someone struggling when it’s difficult to imagine something good on the other side?
There is often a great fear of change, as you don’t know what’s on the other side. But today I’m standing on the other side I So happy. And I don’t know if I would have become an illustrator if I hadn’t lost my job. You never know what will come from the big changes in your life, but it can be truly wonderful, beautiful. You need to be open to it.
Thank you very much, Loose!
PS: tricks to stop worrying, and why sadness is like butter.
Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
