Introducing Peabody! A new comic strip about depression by Jane Goetzee
Written by admin2 on November 13th, 2008Filed under: Regular Contributors, Jane Goetzee, Themes, The Wandering Agoraphobe, Art Gallery
“Peabody”
A new comic strip by Jane Goetzee
UK-based artist Jane Goetzee has been developing a cartoon representation of depression involving a character called Peabody, and her patient friend depression (who lives in a picture above her bed, and with whom she has a very ambivalent relationship).
The strips of Peabody are not too cutesy/funny (although she is quite lovable), and they actually do express real thought processes—some quite distressing—but because they come from the mouth of a small cartoon person, there’s a move away from self-pity-type thinking. There are pure-comedy moments, too.
We’ll be featuring more of Jane’s amazing art very soon. Expect full Peabody comic strips to appear on IrkedMagazine.com in the coming weeks.
Now, without further adieu, here’s a look at how poor Peabody spent the morning:
*All comic strips © Copyright by Jane Goetzee and are for viewing only.
The cartoons may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
Jane Goetzee is an artist based in the UK. She holds first and Masters degrees in Fine Art at the University of Staffordshire and has worked for many years as a community artist. She writes poetry, makes short films and soundscapes, most of which focus on issues of identity, stereotyping, and representation. As a Person who has Experienced Anxiety and Bouts Of Depression for Years (Peabody), Jane uses cartooning to cast a less stigmatizing light on issues of mental distress. She also works part-time as a disability adviser and runs a support scheme for families with disabled children. She is closely involved with the Journal of Literary Disability as copy–editor and keen advocate. She is currently planning a research project that will explore the topic of arts in health from a disability studies perspective.
Bonus Doodle:
14
AM
Fantastic work Jane!! We’re so proud of you, keep it up!!
Lots of Love
xxx
14
PM
Can’t wait to see more of your stuff. It’s very very compelling. I found you through Irked and am glad I did. Please keep me on your emailing list.
DaveRoche@aol.com
14
PM
Well done Jane.
You are truly BRILLIANT and I can’t wait for everyone else to see how fantastic you are!!! Keep it up! xxxx
14
PM
fantastic stuff- we think your great,, absolutely brilliant- good on yers! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
14
PM
can’t wait to see next weeks!
15
AM
thought provoking work, hope to see more.
15
PM
Top level artwork! Peabody is a great ‘must see again’ character, endearing, intesting and with massive scope to tell the tale of mental illness in its current context. Looking forward to meeting Peabody’s psychiatrist!
16
PM
Jane it is great to see peabody available in this way.
Has his confidence grown after stardom at ArtWaves? Julie
16
PM
I was very impressed when I saw your exhibition at Artwaves. Peabody is very appealing and the depiction of depression as a dark phantom-like figure is a neat opposite. Inspired dialogue as well. Excellent. Steve:)X!
21
PM
Great to see Peabody communicating on computer. When I viewed Peabody at Artwaves I was quite moved, as always Jane your work is thought provoking and strong. Well done. Joyce x
29
PM
Wow Jane it’s so good to see you in “print” – Peabody is a wonderful character, and so well drawn too. I’m really glad you told me about irked – the whole site is very stimulating – I’ll spread the word!!
xx
6
AM
Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article