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Art in Motion: A peek into cartoonist Daniel J. Hogan’s CAT-a artwork

Friday, October 11, 2024

Categories: Blog, Community

Daniel J. Hogan in front of Art in Motion bus

Cartoons can be entertaining for all ages, especially when they can bring a smile to one’s face. Daniel J. Hogan, a local Lansing cartoonist, adds a whimsy and amusing touch to his artwork to instill a sense of positivity within the community.

Hogan’s love for reading comics began in his childhood and now as an adult, he gets to proudly call himself a cartoonist. With a background in film and animation, it was at age 30 that he decided to create his own comics to incorporate some joy into his life, not only for him, but for others.

“I enjoy having fun and being silly with it because the world is too serious, especially right now, and it’s a good escape to kind of forget about some of the not-so-great things that are going on,” Hogan said.  

Out of a coloring book that he created, his best-selling print was born ­­­­­­­­­— a pile of cats inside a box that says, “Free Cats.” First displayed on a billboard for the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, he was also given the opportunity to display his masterpiece on one of CATA’s buses for the “Art in Motion” campaign. This was part of a partnership with the Arts Council to showcase local artists’ work and expose more people to the arts.  

 

“I think it’s a great idea. It just helps add a little more life to the buses, makes them stand out a little more and makes them a little more interesting,” Hogan said.  

Hogan’s creative process is, in a good way, unpredictable. His artistry is free flowing; he gets a piece of paper and pen, and just starts doodling. Before creating a piece of art, he generally has no preconceived plan, but lets his imagination run wild by simply starting ­­­­— an idea he lives by.

Hogan hopes to inspire the next generation of artists to put their work out there and keep the creative medium alive.

“You just got to keep trying new stuff and that applies to more than just art, that applies to life in just general. Keep that brain sharp and just keep doing things,” Hogan said. 

With a creative eye and a sense of humor, Hogan hopes to provide the Greater Lansing community with an escape into a whimsical and playful world. These cartoons can be a source of comfort and bring a smile to many.

Keep an eye out for Daniel J. Hogan’s whimsy and entertaining cartoon on one of CATA’s buses. The Arts Council of Greater Lansing and CATA’s partnership have helped display Capital City Region’s local art scene through the Art in Motion campaign.  

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