Meet Teaching Artist Dennis Lo! Learn all about the art form of Manga and why Dennis was apprehensive at first to teach but learned that “it is magical to see someone grow and then take off and fly on their own.” Dennis also recently finished illustrating COMPAS’ 40th edition of student writing, “The World in Our Palms” coming out at the end of this month, check out his pieces below.

Can you tell us a little about your background and what art form you teach?

I was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to Canada when I was 13 years old. I have lived in Minneapolis since 2005. I taught Drawing into Print, Screen print, Screen print: Patterns, Lithography, Youth Comics, and 2D Design Foundation classes at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). I also teach Graphic Design and Typography at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC). In addition, I have taught comics workshops at Marcy Middle school, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and with COMPAS partnerships.

When did you first become interested in Manga and visual storytelling? Who were some of your influences?

Both my father and uncle were illustrators/graphic designers, so I was exposed to art very early. They did encourage my brother and I to draw superheroes when we were young, but more like a way to quiet us down. When I was eight or so, my parents took my brother and I to see Star Wars. I got home and drew the entire movie on chopped up 8.5 x 11 paper. When I was about 12, I saw a TV show about a young man aspiring to be a Manga-Ka, and in the show I saw some of the Manga art works, and remember thinking that they were awesome. So one day after school, I bought my first Manhua (Chinese Manga) by Ma Wing Shing. It was called Chinese Hero. He was my biggest influence at that time. I started to copy them. A year later, I started to make up my own stories. This love of drawing and storytelling led me to pursue drawing, painting and printmaking, but after moving to the Twin Cities, I fully immersed myself in Japanese Manga. My favorites are Shirow Masamune, Katsuhiro Otomo, Adachitoka, and Takeshi Obata.

For those who don’t know, can you describe what Manga is?

Manga means visual entertainment. It is translated from the pronunciation of the original word. It is basically sequential narrative art form. It is called Manhwa in Korea and Manhua in Chinese.

What do you think is the most valuable thing about sharing your own personal visual narrative?

Unlike Western Comics where the art style is often dictated by the subject matter, Eastern Manga is pretty open to attach any art style with any subject matter. You can write about cooking to volleyball, or satire to horror and it can all still be in a similar style. I think the advantage of making Manga, is the opportunity to imagine something you encounter every day or experience personally, and having the creative freedom to retell the story in a variety of genres if you choose to. You can be as imaginative as you want. Manga gives you the tools to communicate and be creative. I am an introvert and the medium is very liberating.

What do you gain from teaching that you don’t gain from creating your own work?

Maybe because of the language barrier I experienced in my youth, I became very reserved as a person. When I was in school as an art student, I never said anything during critique. I was shy and very much kept to myself. When I started teaching, I was forced to lead the critique. I realized that I actually made sense and had a point of view. And when my suggestions to my students actually helped them in their development, I realized that passing on the knowledge that I acquired through my practice is actually more rewarding than just making an art product. It is magical to see someone grow and then take off and fly on their own.

Illustration from The World in Our Palms. Dennis Lo. 2019.

You recently completed illustrations for the 40th edition of the COMPAS Anthology of Student Writing, “The World in Our Palms” being published this month. Have you been working on any other new projects lately? What are they?

Teaching classes at MCTC occupies most of my time right now. However, I do keep up with my manga Strange Symmetry. I am drawing the 3rd volume right now.

What do you see as benefits of working in the Minnesota arts community?

Minnesota has one of the biggest grant and fellowship systems in the States. I have seen so many of my students benefit from it after graduating. It is very supportive of the Arts. It also benefits everyone when they do creative community projects. If you want to be happy, you surround yourself with wonderful people. And Minnesota’s art community is incredible.

You joined the COMPAS roster in 2014, what do see as benefits of being a COMPAS Teaching Artist?

COMPAS excels in connecting talents to a diverse environment. From schools to libraries, conferences to recreation centers, COMPAS facilitation not only benefits the artists but also enriches the community. As an artist on your own, you wouldn’t get that kind of exposure and opportunities without an organization like COMPAS.

How do you practice creativity in your everyday life?

Having a 5 year-old allows me to look at everything anew. I see through his wonderment. My old routine is reinterpreted and anything mundane could turn into something fun and weird in an instant. I think the way to practice creativity is not to do the same thing over and over again. And my son certainly helps me with this.

Anything else you’d like us to know about your amazing career?

Career is not a straight path. It is about perseverance and ingenuity. I like to explore, so you never know where I will pop up next. As long as I am having fun every day, that’s what is important.

COMPAS Blog

Artist Spotlight with Manga Master Dennis Lo