York University Talk: March 26, 2025

 Come hear me talk about my comics and other stuff. Thanks to Jessica Campbell for making this happen!

Comics And Graphic Novels Studio at OCADU

 

I’m teaching Comics And Graphic Novels Studio this fall at OCADU in Toronto. It’s a six week course beginning on Saturday October 21^st- click the link for more info!

https://continuingstudies.ocadu.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=18221&selectedProgramAreaId=17820&selectedProgramStreamId=17830

In this interdisciplinary workshop series for writers, artists, and designers, students will experiment with the comic medium as they explore the interplay between image and text, form and content. Drawing cues from historical and contemporary examples of textual/graphic work, students will conceptualize comic projects in various forms, constructing compelling narratives through dialogue and visual representations. By the end of the series students should have produced short and longer form comics or graphic works.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, students will have:

• Become familiar with the steps/process involved in creating a comic/graphic novel
• Practiced scripting for sequential art
• Received tips for composition, layout and paneling
• Completed the process of creating a comic

 

Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smyth at Graphic Medicine Conference 2023 in Toronto

 

Cory and I are excited to be giving one of the keynote talks at this year's Graphic Medicine Conference in Toronto:

https://www.graphicmedicine.org/keynote-announcement-cory-silverberg-fiona-smyth/

“Sex Is a Funny Word: The Power of Comics to Hold Bodies, Intimacy, Trauma, and Joy” keynote presentation by Cory Silverberg & Fiona Smyth, Friday July 14, 9am In this interactive keynote address and conversation, cartoonist/educator Fiona Smyth and sex educator and author Cory Silverberg will talk about their 10+ year collaboration on their award winning series of books about sex and gender for young people.Myhal Centre at UofT, 55 St George Street north of College Street

The conference has a sliding scale for attending and most events are hybrid streamed online and inperson:  https://www.graphicmedicine.org/2023-toronto-conference/

OCADU Continuing Studies Comics and Graphic Novels Studio

 

I’m teaching a 6 week cartooning course for adults through OCADU’s Continuing Studies, starting Saturday October 15^th. This class is in person in Toronto.

https://continuingstudies.ocadu.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=18221&selectedProgramAreaId=17820&selectedProgramStreamId=17830

Fiona On The Agenda With Nam Kiwanuka

I had the great pleasure to talk to The Agenda's Nam Kiwanuka about what I created for the AGO's I AM HERE show, my current Cheez 2022 show and the kids' sex ed book written by Cory Silverberg "You Know, Sex"!

https://omny.fm/shows/the-agenda-with-steve-paikin-audio/identity-and-history-through-cartoons

CHEEZ 456 Catalogue

Get Yer CHEEZ 456!

The Thick CHEEZ! Fiona Smyth

[CHEEZ 456] 480 pages, 8x10 inch, perfect binding

ORDER this book at BLURB (can$85)

https://www.blurb.ca/b/11161209-cheez-456

The book CHEEZ 456 was published on the occasion of the exhibition CHEEZ 2022, held at 50 Gladstone Avenue Saloon in Toronto, from 28 May to 18 June, 2022.

Also served as a catalogue for CHEEZ work at OCEAN POUNDS Print Series: Each issued in an edition of five, on 260 g/m Velvet Fine Art Paper. Sheet size: 13 x 9.5 inch. Signed by the artist. Numbered and with “OP Selection” Blind Stamp. Inquiries: mail@oceanpounds.com

New York Times You Know, Sex Review

 Yay!!!! We made the New York Times children's book review!!!!!!!!!!!

 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/27/books/review/you-know-sex-bodies-gender-puberty-and-other-things-cory-silverberg-fiona-smyth.html

"If your kids have reached the point where things are excruciating, or just more complicated, they might be the perfect audience for “You Know, Sex,” written by Cory Silverberg and illustrated by Fiona Smyth (the award-winning team behind “What Makes a Baby” and “Sex Is a Funny Word”).

At more than 400 pages it’s a comprehensive look at sexuality, body differences, body autonomy, gender, puberty, consent, menstruation, reproduction — the whole shebang. As I read it, I was overcome with joy that kids will have access to such an engaging resource. (By comparison, I recall receiving a three-panel pamphlet at school produced and printed by a menstrual products company. Thanks, Playtex!)

The pure energy of Smyth’s art sets the tone for the entire work. Her bold colors make the subject matter feel like a celebration rather than something quiet and private. The characters aren’t just diverse, they’re a veritable rainbow of skin tones. They’re also relatable and beautiful while openly challenging social constructs about conventional beauty. The scenarios she draws take on our culture of racism, colorism, ableism, body shaming and more, with empowering results.

Silverberg’s writing is fearless, digging into the messiness of the human experience with an eye toward justice. Here is that rare voice that can talk about the hardest things kids go through in ways that are thoughtful, lighthearted and always respectful of their intelligence.

This is not your everyday puberty resource.

“You Know, Sex” is an important book, and not only for the breadth of issues it covers. Silverberg portrays adolescence with tremendous honesty, and demonstrates a clear love for young readers.

In an age when many adults are turning away from providing kids with the information they need to grow and thrive (I’m looking at you, “Don’t Say Gay” legislators in Florida!), here is a kids’ book that discusses things like nonbinary and trans identities, variously shaped clitorises and penises, H.I.V. stigma, sexual pleasure, miscarriage, asexual feelings and abortion. It gives kids an opportunity to explore these real aspects of living in the world, on their own timetable and at their own pace — without resorting to internet porn. (Oh yeah, it also talks about porn.)

While L.G.B.T.Q. and other marginalized communities are often relegated to the periphery in kid lit, here they play a central role. All our identities, bodies, families and emotions are embraced, so all readers can feel seen, “normal,” valid and connected. Isn’t that what every adolescent needs?

Silverberg has two outstanding abilities. First, to present tough topics in a warm, human-centered and affirming style. Second, to help kids figure out the answers to their questions by reflecting back at them the humor, pathos and raw beauty of adolescence.

Adults, too, should read “You Know, Sex,” as it counters the harmful narratives around sex and bodies with which we’ve all grown up."

NEW YORK TIMES: Rachel Brian, animator of the “Tea Consent” video, is the author of two books for young people: “Consent (for Kids!)” and “The Worry (Less) Book.”