The Western Wheel’s Commentary page will have a new look and a familiar face will play a major role.

John Barlow/Okotoks Western Wheel Artist Phil Irwin looks through some of the cartoons he has published. Irwin is the new editorial cartoonist for the Okotoks Western Wheel

Local cartoonist Phil Irwin has jumped on board to be the Western Wheel’s new editorial cartoonist.

Irwin, the principal at Blackie School, has a great deal of experience as a published cartoonist dating back to 1987 with the High River Times.

In fact, one might say newspaper ink is in Irwin’s blood.

“I have a long history with newspapers,” he said. “I was a paper boy from Grade 4 to Grade 9 delivering The Albertan.”

While most people looked to the newspaper for coverage of local events Irwin admitted he went directly to the funnies.

Even today he still instinctively turns to the cartoons to see what is going on with his favourites strips including the iconic Herman and Far Side.

Like most youth of his generation Irwin fell in love with Saturday morning cartoons, but what inspired him to look at editorial and political cartoons was MAD Magazine.

“I was always a fan of MAD Magazine and all through school I just cartooned while I was supposed to be listening to the teacher,” he said.

Irwin toyed with the idea of following art as a career, but he stuck with education.

“My dad said I needed to get a real job,” Irwin said.

He did get a real job and Irwin has been with the Foothills School Division for 17 years. He will move to High River in September to be principal at Senator Riley Middle School.

However, to fuel his passion for art Irwin continues as a freelance artist including editorial cartoons for the Okotoks Western Wheel.

“This is a great opportunity,” said Irwin of joining the Wheel. “From a distance, I have always admired this newspaper’s progressive vision. It is exciting to be able to help kick this relaunch off.

“I have always dreamed about doing something with my cartooning and this will help take it up a level.”

Irwin said he tries not to be too obvious with his cartoons and encourages readers to dig a little deeper when looking at his work.

He said his main motivation is not necessarily being published, but hearing the readers’ response to his cartoons.

“Hopefully, people will appreciate what I do,” said Irwin.

jbarlow@okotoks.greatwest.ca

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