Diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, Australian cartoonist Geoff Augustine responded in the only way he knew how, by writing and drawing cartoons.
Finding humour in this new and frightening situation became his way of coping with the intense emotions and side effects of cancer during treatment.
Why is He Laughing? features hundreds of cartoons created from raw personal experience ranging from light, funny observations through to bleak, and very black. And nothing is safe from Geoff's pen! Oncologists, radiologists, and a myriad of health professionals along with hospitals, treatments, side effects, and equipment all find their way into cartoon panels.
While cancer is absolutely 'no laughing matter' Geoff's work Is one man sharing his experience on paper with humour while, hopefully, lightening the burden for others. His cartoons are testament to the saying, 'laughter is the best medicine.'
About the Artist
Successful cartoonists are a revered lot with an unfettered power to satirise and Melbourne cartoonist Geoff Augustine has earned his license in a career spanning over forty-five years of dynamic professional cartooning.
For eight years daily, Ossie appeared as a comic strip in Australia’s major dailies, Sydney’s Sun-Herald and Melbourne’s Sun News Pictorial. While Cheer Champs quickly became a weekly comic strip in the Melbourne HERALD as well as a national, sports licensing icon which appeared on everything from first aid plasters to underwear and breakfast cereal boxes.
Geoff’s zany and colourful jigsaws, calendars, cards, and books are keenly sought collectors’ items, while his lightning - quick caricaturing and cartooning brilliance has featured under the brightest of television and major event lights.
Industry Reviews
“Submitting yourself to investigation for, and treatment of, cancer can require making oneself vulnerable and bring feelings of powerlessness. Defences normally used in threatening or frightening situations don’t seem to work. Perhaps the greatest instrument left in supporting ourselves and our loved ones is humour. Humour can make a sterile and scary experience a human one, and return a sense of control through describing the ridiculousness or irony of many situations patients will encounter during their experience. Humour can even be a bonding experience between patients, families and care-givers.”
Daniel Steinfort, Associate Professor, Respiratory Physician, Royal Melbourne Hospital
(From the Foreword) “It’s a huge privilege to be asked to write a foreword for this priceless and inspiring book, though I did wonder why a psychiatrist would be invited to do so. Geoff’s response to the deep existential challenge of advanced cancer is probably the most mentally healthy thing I have seen for some time... Rising above suffering through art, music and humour is as old as time and Geoff’s response exemplifies this and is more than icing on the cake of his wonderful career. In helping others to disarm overwhelming fears, even for a moment, it also represents the best of the human spirit.”
Professor Patrick McGorry AO MD PhD FRCP FRANZCP FAA FAHMS FASSA, Executive Director, Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health
