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Nudge, Nudge

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I've unfortunately been too busy lately to continue down a Monty Python rabbit hole, although I hope to come back to this project whenever I get a chance. I started off super motivated when I had loads of free time in the summer, knowing full well how exhausted I always feel during the school year. Still, I imagined blogging to be a manageable hobby and a low-key creative outlet when I need a distraction. I also figured that as a stressed-out teacher, I could get some sweet dopamine from sketch comedy videos and silly drawings.  It's not a bad thought... but I struggle to be consistent with most things in life, so keeping up a blog seems unrealistic.  Anyway, I've seen the light, in a sense. Insofar as I can point to a Monty Python sketch that gives me pause about writing the show off as overrated.   This is not to say that I find the sketch hilarious, or even all that witty actually. I just love that this sketch exists, because it introduced a well-known phrase to the En...
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Art is theft, and then there's fan art..

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In my last post, I suggested that creating fan art is a "joy." Is it though? Creating anything is complicated, and there are some downsides to making fan art. I actually didn't see the value in it for a long time.  Recently, drawing fan art has become a hobby of mine, and I have to say, it's making me really happy. Now, I'm looking forward to creating lots of silly drawings involving my absolute favourite, The Kids in the Hall, and my new obsession, Monty Python.  I came close to realizing the joys of fan art long ago, when I would illustrate song lyrics at my desk during my worst-ever job. Unfortunately, I didn't recognize how much it brightened my day, and stopped drawing for a really long time after that.  Lyrics from "Range Life" by Pavement From my experience, here are some excellent reasons for making fan art:  1. You like making art, but you get stuck, and then feel miserable It turns out, to get better at a craft, you need practice. Practicin...
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Up on the roof…

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  I have so much love and appreciation for the show Taskmaster, and I was inspired to make a comic based on some things that made me laugh throughout Series 19. It was my introduction to the show, and I’m now watching chronologically and I’m only on series 4. I feel rich having so many seasons ahead of me! I’ll probably write a post soon about my thoughts on creating fanart. I’ll just say for now, what a joy. Would recommend for anyone in a creative rut!
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He's a lumberjack and he's... meh.

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Monty Python has a song, called The Lumberjack Song .  It's catchy, and it's... questionable.  Through the verses, the titular lumberjack describes his feminine side, including his fondness for wearing high heels and a bra. (Did you notice what I did there with the word titular? I thought that was pretty good, eh?) The gender-bending premise is subversive and was probably somewhat shocking for the time, which can make for good comedy. However, I don't find the punchline funny, for obvious reasons in 2025. The lumberjack is accompanied by several Mounties, who become disgusted by him and turn on him when he sings that he wishes he'd "been a girlie."  Sigh. I'm not saying to cancel the show over transphobia. I'm just not laughing, that's all. As I mentioned in my last post, I’m comparing Monty Python to The Kids in the Hall to figure out why Python doesn’t hold up for me. I've thought about whether The Kids in the Hall have a comparable sketch, b...
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I have my reasons.

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Why do I keep trying to watch Monty Python? I can't get into it, and I have never enjoyed it. I can appreciate its influence on sketch comedy, of course. I am very aware Monty Python opened the door for the sketch comedy shows I love: The Kids in the Hall, SNL (the Farley years), Portlandia, I Think You Should Leave. Very occasionally, I'll remember about it and try again. It's always extremely dissatisfying. I do have a favourite Monty Python sketch, actually. Here, I've illustrated it:  What is it about this show? And why am I coming back to it yet again?  All my life, I've been vaguely familiar with the idea that there is "British humour." Although it was always out there, it didn't cross my mind to seek it out or understand it.  When I did eventually fall in love with certain British shows, such as the IT Crowd, or The Mighty Boosh, I didn't really pick up on the cultural context that set them apart. They were just part of the entertainment sou...
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