I have always drawn, and the Messenger played a big part in my artistic development. I love creating a ridiculous joke every issue, and in such times as these I think it’s important to find as much silly as possible. As I moved into teaching, with multiple ballet schools to balance my time, art became much more therapeutic.
Painting small characters and animals in watercolour meant I could take time to create. After starting an Instagram gallery my pieces started to be seen, feeling purposeful because they were being shared.
I have a fondness for Beatrix Potter, as well as the original ink illustrations by EH Shepard for Winnie the Pooh. These are driving influences in my work. I haven’t had any formal art education besides secondary school. It’s lovely that I can now earn by creating pet portraits, creature illustrations, and commissioned work.
Comic by Martin Currie and Edgar Lowman.
Words by Edgar Lowman
Edgar on the internet
Where’s the pigeon?
If you’re wondering what has happened to our usual pigeon logo this issue, it’s been replaced with a bejewelled red kite drawn by Edgar.
Each issue this year will feature a logo designed by a local. Please send in your own take on the Messenger pigeon/dove, a photo, drawing, painting or sculpture.
Where’s the usual George and Brian strip?
Because a feature-length comic strip just isn’t enough, George (or maybe it’s Brian) stars in Edgar’s usual cartoon strip, where he’s looking up words in a thesaurus. It’s must-see stuff.
