In more-people-stealing-my-ideas news: the people at Sing Statistics took the idea of publishing stories and ilustrations together and took it to dizzying new heights with We Are the Friction. An eyebrow-raisingly impressive list of contributors makes this collection look like a must have for the small-press collector/fiend in your life. The Brits done did it again.
I’m sick today and the only thing that’s making me feel better is Martine Johanna’s crazy ass ilustrations. Her work, at times, feels like a mix between Alfons Mucha and J-horror films. Frightening and beautiful all at once. Just what I need to clear my sinuses.
Penguin commissioned Ruben Toledo to draw up some covers for some of their classic snooze-fests in celebration of fashion week or some bullshit.
Penguin’s heart is in the right place, trying to spruce up some old dogs with fancy new covers, and the drawings aren’t bad, but good book covers these do not make.
It makes these books look like a Tim Burton picture book adaptation of the classic stories. If you’re going to get some new artists to gussy up some old novels how about doing it with a little bit of balls and/or ovaries?
Bill Harris’s work is a little hit and miss, as well as a little scattered, but that’s the way it goes when you’re as prolific as he is. Nevertheless, when he’s on, he’s fucking ON. His portraits are seemingly mundane snapshots of everyday life, but it doesn’t take too long before you realize the weight of what’s happening in these scenes. You know a painting is good when the story starts telling itself in your head.
Something I’ve been obsessing over lately in the visual arts realm is the ability to capture subtle gesture. Sedat Girgin’s illustrations are sometimes a little scratchy for my tastes, but he’s got a knack for showing a character’s tiny movements in a single frame. Kind of reminds me of the Triplets of Bellville and this:
Harper Collins wishes they had the balls to release a book cover like this.
Last week Keith Phipps of the AV Club posted this review of Theodor Sturgeon’s classic sci-fi novel More Than Human. Before you click through I will forecast your reaction: You will shake your head and whisper, “Damn, if sci-fi novels from back in the day didn’t have the tightest covers.”
So now I’m obsessed with these things. One google search and few clicks later and I unearthed a goldmine of the illest book covers ever drawn.
Those were the days. All it took to have the sickest job was to have some drawing and painting skills and a shitload of LSD.
After spending a good half an hour browsing these things, the book shelf at your local Borders will look about as stimulating as the pamphlet rack at the doctors office.
NY artist Erika Somogyi is doing some inspiring things with watercolor and gouache. A lot of artists lately have been trying to capture that magic of finding yourself in nature. Erica nails it without veering into the realm of corny myhtological creatures and co-opted indian imagery. Also, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a painting recreate the look of staring directly at the sun. Very impressive. Well done, Erika.
Stumbled upon this note-perfect animated short by super talented Russian-born illustrator, animator and story artist Vera Brosgol. Definitely worth your two and a half minutes.
When not wasting away the golden days of his young life looking at stupid shit on the Internet, Chris Heavener publishes a biannual lit and arts magazine called Annalemma. It features short stories, essays, art, and photography. You should take a long, hard look at yourself and consider subscribing.
Annalemma