Hybrid: When Too Much Freedom Leads One To Steer Directly Into A Wall
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Soojin Buzelli is, as anyone who reads Drawger even occasionally knows, the absolute bee's pajamas and an illustrator's dream ally. She knows exactly what to say and more importantly what not to say when commissioning an illustration. Her rules are simple- don't be overly literal and whatever you do, no people in business attire. Ever.
In almost every case this inspires the picture-maker to greater heights as imagination is let to soar. I'll come clean and admit that I've browsed an issue or two of Plansponsor and I can't make heads nor tails of a single article so 'interpretive' is about the best I can give.
In this case Soojin was as clear and succinct as ever - Hybrid, two animals that are dissimilar coming together. I was feeling pretty good about the arboreal leopard-snake scenario but Soojin came back with a decisive 'Number 3, please' and so the Liongator it was.
As so often happens I'm not entirely clear when or why the passenger jet, snack-food packaging and 55-gallon oil drum worked their way into the composition, but there they were. I was satisfied that they added to the image and thought nothing of sending it off. Soojin, upon receiving the image was understandably confused and contacted me with a request that they be removed. I was happy to do so and revised the image in no time to better reflect the sketch. I was so in thrall to the freedom that comes with working with Soojin that I lost sight of the goal.
In any case, the liongator was placed in a more natural and decidedly less polluted environment and that version went to print.
Just out of the frame, however, there's the remnants of a White Castle 'Crave Case', the dented grill of a 1995 Nissan Altima, and the mildewed carcass of a 'Tickle Me Elmo'.
...and butterflies are free to fly. Fly away, high away, bye bye...
I was first made aware of Nick Cave's band The Birthday Party after they'd disbanded - I suppose one might say I was late to the party, if one was inclined to employ cheap punnery. I, however, would never stoop so low.
Regardless it was an important discovery for me and introduced me to the wiry and sinister guitar sound of the late and unarguably great Rowland S Howard and the primal theatrics of inimitable vocalist Nick Cave. After absorbing the Birthday Party's catalog I delved into the canon of Cave's follow up project, The Bad Seeds.
Throughout the Bad Seeds' lifespan Cave has evolved greatly, having honed his considerable talents as a songwriter and even a balladeer. His lyrics reveal a literacy and introspection that is nearly without peer in popular music frequently referencing the Old Testament and a displaying keen knowledge of among other things American blues and gospel.
Cave's evolution as an artist has been a long one and decidedly nonlinear. He's tried his hand at acting, screenplays, film scores. He's written two novels in addition to publishing several books of poetry.
I was contacted over the summer by Mr Sam Kinchin-Smith of Silkworm Inc. Seems he was aware of the album covers I'd been producing for globe-spanning rock-n-roll quartet Sour Jazz and hoped that I would be interested in producing a piece for his upcoming project: a 'multi-disciplinary Nick Cave reader' to be entitled 'Read Write (Hand)' ( a cheeky play on "Red Right Hand', arguably Cave's best-known song ). Sure, I said, I'm interested. His only direction was that the piece showcase Cave more as a literary figure than a musician . After supplying Mr Kinchin-Smith with a preliminary sketch he waxed enthusiastic and it was ultimately decided that my piece would be used as the cover art.
...and here it is.
After many delays, hiccups and hitches the book is available now at multiple outlets (click here for the list). But before you start making room in the Nick Cave section of your bookshelves be aware that this number is available only as a space-age 'e-book'.
No Way Out But Forward Go!
A few images to mark the new year. Some from life and a couple from a project in progress tentatively entitled 'Fried Pie For Easter Tuessday'
I was recently awarded the opportunity to interview one of my all-time favorite artists for the current issue of 3x3 magazine: Mr A Richard Allen. I set about my task in my typical fashion- procrastinating until the pressure became just one hair above unbearable, then hastily scrawling something overly poetic, obtuse and self-referential. Finally I managed to pin down the elusive Mr Allen at his seaside manse and grill him relentlessly until he reluctantly coughed up a few vague details about his life and times. I took these few gems, polished them up and actually managed to - hold for self-congratulatory testimonial- craft a fairly accurate and interesting article.
This from the 3x3 website: 3x3 is the first magazine devoted entirely to the art of contemporary illustration and the only one published in the United States. Twice a year we take an in-depth look at art and environment of three illustrators. We explore their influences. How they work with clients. How they got their first big break. Each article is written by a fellow illustrator who knows exactly what our audience wants to hear. From the U.S. to Europe, Asia, or wherever, we’ll stay tuned to what’s going on the world of illustration.
Whether or not I "know exactly what our audience wants to hear" is your call, but know this: the current issue of 3x3 also includes articles about Drawger's own Alessandro Gottardo aka Shout and collage artist Stephanie Wunderlich. WIth a cast like that it's a 'can't miss'.
Above image of the cover by Shout and is naturally copyrighted. I stiole it off the web. You're not supposed to do that.
