Temple Bates ('96) consciously leaves room for interpretation - what are Hermodditites? Little children? Creatures? Creepy old men? Are they futuristic or medieval? Are you looking at them, or are they looking at you?
Her first graphic novel, Hermoddities, portrays contemporary comic art and traditional paint on canvas. The result is remarkable.
The Toronto-based, and Mount Allison educated, artist, who also plays in electro synth goth-pop band Pony Da Look, showcases work from the past decade in Hermoddities, including: CatPeeps, sometimes they're people, sometimes they're cats; Bird With A Ball Foot; and graphic collaborations with Winnipeg's Drue Langlois (formerly of the Royal Art Lodge) on Capistrano and Sweet Peel.
In Capistrano lead character Tristen poignantly asks, "Can't you see that your self-centered lifestyle - with your machines and comforts - has killed your heart?"
She challenges viewers to see what's between the lines, what distorts and blurs boundaries? Part hermetic oddities, part hermaphrodites, all gorgeous.
Read full story: A yearbook for circus strays (Telegraph-Journal)
See her work: http://www.templebates.com/
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