Cromer developed his adult imagination through text rather than image, becoming a librarian and receiving a master’s degree in creative writing. In 1998, feeling frustration with his library job, he began to work with oil pastels while watching television after work. His computer-paper doodles developed into more substantial drawings and, eventually, he would draw until 2 a.m. every night, despite having to leave for work at 7 a.m. From the start, Cromer saw his art as counter to library work. He notes that while librarians have to provide answers, his art shows ambiguity.
![No Sound of an Explosion Was Heard, by JJ Cromer](https://www.lypophrenia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/No-Sound-of-an-Explosion-Was-Heard-.jpg)
No Sound of an Explosion Was Heard
![It Didn't Involve a Raise, by JJ Cromer](https://www.lypophrenia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/It-Didnt-Involve-a-Raise.jpg)
It Didn't Involve a Raise
![The Remote Viewer's Shortcut, by JJ Cromer](https://www.lypophrenia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/The-Remote-Viewers-Shortcut-.jpg)
The Remote Viewer's Shortcut
Mahmud Hadji'dinijad says,
These pieces are amongst the most beautiful work I’ve ever seen. Such vivid use of colour; such plentiful construction of shapes; such ecstatic impact on the spectator.
on 16 December 2010 / 9:13 AM