I recently did a project for local band Weird Year (for their latest album Nick Hates The Beach). It ended up something like a tour journal following a band on a strange roadtrip along the California coast, dodging the surreal and the fantastic all the way to a gig.
This was such a fun project for me. I love doing art for music and making up a little narrative of an indie band roadtrip was just... so damn fun.
If you care to listen to the album its on Sp0tif¥ and AppIe Music. Or have a look at their music videos on youtube. ✌️
In the illustrious tapestry of art history, few figures evoke the same enigmatic allure as John William Waterhouse. Renowned for his ethereal depictions of mythological scenes and captivating female figures, Waterhouse remains a beacon of mystery and fascination in the annals of artistic expression. Yet, behind the veils of his mesmerizing canvases lies a realm of intrigue waiting to be unveiled.
Waterhouse was a master of narrative within the realms of classical mythology and literature, weaving tales of gods, nymphs, and heroines with an unparalleled finesse. His brush danced upon the canvas, breathing life into characters plucked from the depths of ancient lore. But what sets Waterhouse apart is not merely his technical skill, but rather the haunting depth of emotion he imbued within his subjects.
Step into any gallery adorned with Waterhouse's works, and you'll find yourself ensnared in a realm where time stands still. His paintings possess an almost hypnotic quality, drawing viewers into a world where reality blurs with fantasy. Whether it's the tragic beauty of "The Lady of Shalott" or the melancholic allure of "Hylas and the Nymphs," each piece is a portal to a realm where dreams and reality intertwine.
But what of the man behind the brush? Despite his prominence in the Victorian art scene, Waterhouse remains shrouded in mystery. He was notoriously private, leaving behind few clues about his personal life and inspirations. Some speculate that his fascination with mythology stemmed from a deep-seated longing for a world beyond the constraints of reality, while others believe it was merely a vehicle for exploring the complexities of human emotion.
Perhaps the true essence of Waterhouse's art lies not in the realm of myth, but in its reflection of the human condition. His heroines are not merely ethereal beings frozen in time; they are vessels through which we glimpse the depths of longing, desire, and sorrow. In a world where societal norms often dictate the expression of emotion, Waterhouse's canvases serve as a sanctuary where passion knows no bounds.
In the modern era, Waterhouse's legacy endures as a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend time and space. His works continue to captivate audiences around the globe, inspiring new generations of artists to explore the boundless realms of imagination. For in the brushstrokes of John William Waterhouse, we find not just art, but a mirror reflecting the infinite complexities of the human soul.
Rediscovering the Dark Splendor of Gustave Doré with Edgar Allan Poe
//Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" illustrated by Gustave Doré
The Raven. The poem tells the story of a nameless narrator as he laments the loss of his lover, Lenore. As the poem’s narrative unfolds, the narrator’s mental health gradually deteriorates as he is repeatedly visited by a talking raven. The magical bird never fails to remind his conversation partner: the relationship between he and Lenore is “Nevermore.”