Cartoonist Lynda Barry has Midwestern roots that run deep: She was born in Wisconsin and she moved to Chicago after her comic strip, “Ernie Pook’s Comeek,” was picked up by the “Chicago Reader.” In her drawings, Barry explores the highs and lows of childhood and young adult life. Her characters Marlys, Arna and Maybonne have won her great acclaim and a devoted following. She is is an award-winning cartoonist, painter, writer, playwright and teacher. She is the author of books and plays, like “The Good Times are Killing Me.”  Her latest is called “Picture This.”

Her new books focus on the process of drawing – which is why she’s returned to Chicago. Monday night, she speaks at 6 p.m. at the School of Art Institute’s ongoing Visiting Artists Program. She told Alison Cuddy about this process and her career as a cartoonist.

Music Button: Six Parts Seven, “The One Thing That Won’t Matter”, from the CD Silence Magnifies Sound, (Troubleman Unlimited)