Erik Johnson

My Life in Arcs Erik Johnson

This illustrated 108-page visual memoir documents the author's fascination with, and obsession making, volvelles. Also known as "Adjustable Round Charts," or "Arcs," the first known volvelles were constructed in the fourteenth century. They achieved some notoriety in post WW2 America as advertising gimmicks and computational devices. While some critics call these items, "kitschy cardboard data wheels," retired family conflict mediator turned paper engineer, Erik Johnson loves them. By combining his knack for dispute resolution, hobby as cartoonist, and dedication to geometric gadgetry, he set out to make the Great American Volvelle. This full color collection showcases the evolution of his best creations. It also documents the joy of the creative journey; spinning one's wheels never looked so fun.