The artists who identify themselves as illustrators and cartoonists want to communicate their ideas with clarity. They are drawn to making images, most of them at a very early age, and they believe in the power of the picture.

We all know the well-worn expression that equates a single image to a multitude of words, but what is sorely missing from the adage is the qualifying phrase: a very good picture. One that is cunningly well-crafted (whether rendered by a hairy stick, a twig of burnt willow, or electronically rendered in digital space) has the potential to surpass the thousand-word count and mysteriously brand itself onto our brains forever.

The real world offers few moments of metaphoric clarity; that is why the artistic vision is so important. Prose and poetry have different goals, and the illustrators and cartoonists of today are not as interested in the "reportage" approach to picture-making that was so crucial to their predecessors. Other modern mediums do those tasks much more efficiently. A point of view is now key. The figurative artist with literary inclinations, (i.e. the illustrator/ cartoonist) must utilize the nearly universal language of symbols and metaphors. He or she must develop a vast pictorial vocabulary, drawn from history and their own personal visions. The daunting task is to communicate fluently and interpret our strange times. It is a very important art form, for it nourishes the soul in such a special way. The gifted illustrator/cartoonist can take us to the lands of their dreams.

In this, the 32nd incarnation of this annual, which celebrates our recent students' artistic achievements; I am certain that you will agree that the field of illustration and cartooning are in very capable hands for the future. Our faculty has had the great privilege to watch these fantastic new talents develop quickly and see them excel both in craft and sophistication. We wish them all great success!

I would like to thank the portfolio instructors who help me in the selection process: Steve Brodner, Chris Buzzelli, Becky Cloonan, Tristan Elwell, Tomer Hanuka, Frances Jetter, Keith Mayerson, David Mazzucchelli, Gary Panter, Jonathon Rosen, and Yuko Shimizu. We also thank President David Rhodes for his vision and support of this ongoing document.

Thomas Woodruff
Chair, BFA Illustration and Cartooning Department, 2011