Forward and Backwards
November 9, 2007 - 11:37am — Corys_Stories
I'm compiling a bunch of my HISTORY BLUFFS cartoons together to make a book. A friend of mine said, "hey, you need a forward with points out front" I thought he was talking about a basketball game, and then I realized he meant an 'introduction to the book.' So, I thought about who could I get to introduce my love for history and passion for art? Then it hit me like a several copies of War and Peace....how about my history teacher! He's great with a pen. Wow, cool, I've got my forward....now, do I need a backwards? How about something at the end of the book? Fortunately, I was able to get one of my former art students, who has a great little art and history business going on. Check out their stories and sites.
Cory’s story written by his elementary school social studies teacher, Mr. Wilson…
We all need a good laugh in today's world. It distracts us from all the bad news. Cory Benjamin Geishauser, aka Corben Geis, IS that distraction. Wait. Let me start again...
It has been my extreme pleasure to have known Cory since he was a youngster. I enjoyed teaching his English and social studies classes from 5th to 8th grade. Now, back to that "distraction" thing...
After his dream of an NBA career was halted somewhere around 6th grade (he may have been the inspiration for the term "air ball"), Cory realized he could make people laugh! As his basketball coach, I realized Cory would not play good defense, but he would offer up a pun or a joke to distract his opponents. He had not only his teammates in stitches, but caused quite a few chuckles among opposing players and even referees. How could I teach basketball with all these "distractions"? Of course, Cory's goal in life seemed to be to distract others with his humor. It was a gift. Of course, he had to learn just WHEN to offer up a humorous one-liner; it was never a good idea to do that in math class, for instance, as Cory eventually learned. But that's another story.
Perhaps it was in American History class that things began to click for this unique talent. When he wasn't doodling in his history notebook, or staring out the window for "inspiration," Cory actually paid attention in history class.
Cory possesses a keen inquisitive ability - far above that of his peers. Well, in the faculty room, some called him "nosy", I will admit. It was never enough to tell Cory that he couldn't stick his elbow into his ear. Of course he tested it out. Then he stuck his elbow into other students' ears. That only led to a closer relationship with the principal. He had a hunger to discover "why".
Combine this sense of inquiry, his pool of historical knowledge (with also much credit to his grandmother, here), consistent and cool creativity, and a real knack for cartooning, and it naturally led Cory to create "History Bluffs." Here, he combines his unique vision of historical personalities and events with his often-warped sense of humor. And this formula takes us readers away from our troubles for a laugh or two.
In my 30 years as a classroom teacher, Cory is the most uniquely-talented student I've had the pleasure of teaching. Enjoying his work as I do, I think you should read his panel, and distract yourself for a while. Along with some laughs, you may reminisce about those history classes when YOU did the doodling.
Steve Wilson
Here's a Cory story from one of his former students, who is an incredible writer, illustrator and historian...
Ever since his first days in grade school, Cory Geishauser has been entertaining and teaching all of those around him with his creative talents. His imaginative and highly comical cartoons have been creating chuckles for years. My father can still recall and laugh upon his bright personality from when he taught Cory in high school. Cory's cartoon series ingeniously entitled "History Bluffs" gives a refreshingly original perspective on some of the most important events in our History.
I first met Cory twelve years ago while I was in first grade. Just as Cory, I have been drawing ever since I could get my hands on crayons. Although I was only seven years of age, I can still vividly remember his energetic and colorful art lessons after school on Tuesdays. It was there that I created my first cartoons. He taught us how to produce feelings and emotions with just the expression of a cartoon's eyes or mouth. I learned so much from him and use many of the traits he taught me to this very day.
Cory always told us to dream big. I kept those words in mind when I began to write and illustrate by first book, entitled Civil War Leaders. I created a Civil War book for kids which includes illustrations and biographies of famed Civil War era commanders. By the time I entered college, I had two books published, with nearly 3,000 copies sold. Cory was rooting for me the whole way and still does. His moral support of his students both past and present is one of his greatest attributes.
My passion for both Art and History provides a perfect match for Cory's "History Bluffs." Even those poor folks who loathe History class will enjoy this series! Cory understands the importance of the past and the relevance of it today. Both he and I want to make this subject entertaining and fun, yet educational, for young people. History is not something to be preached or regurgitated from a classroom podium, but something to learn from and appreciate in new and exciting ways. "History Bluffs" easily accomplishes this task.
Cory's love for art and teaching is what makes him a great person. "History Bluffs" is only a gold coin in his large treasure chest of talents. Knowing his dedication to his life's numerous passions, we can expect many more great things from "Corben Geis" in the future. I hope you enjoy his artwork as much as I do.
Jared Frederick PSU Student
www.historymatters.biz Jared's website
Comments
Two Great Storytellers
I have got to convince Mr. Wilson and Jared, both, to start writing for storytrax!
"I feel the greatest gift we can give to anybody is the gift of our honest self." Fred Rogers