Illustrated by N.C. Wyeth

Robinson Crusoe Illustrated by N. C. Wyeth was what the cover read. It was one of the classic and famously beloved volumes published by Scribners in the early 20^th century. The book was a solid hard-cover edition that looked good and felt good to the hand. The illustrations were compelling, lush, heroic things that as far as I remember discovering was truly “love at first.”  For all it’s worth this encounter was something that has hooked me for life; the love of illustration, books and most particularly the illustration work of the master; Newell Convers Wyeth.

Wyeth had illustrated Treasure Island, The Last of the Mohicans, The Yearling and others in his time for Scribners. His work was always colorful and exciting. When I found Robinson Crusoe in the school library I had no idea how renowned N. C. Wyeth was. I just knew he was phenomenal in what he was doing and I was always able to imagine and wonder, even becoming lost in his detailed emotionally realistic visions. Wyeth towers among the best and is still much an inspiration for me. 

Wyeth would influence generation of young people including his children, especially his son Andy who became equally famous in his own right and then grandson Jamie who continues the family legacy. The Wyeths are certainly America’s finest and most cherished family of the visual arts. They are also great ambassadors of excellence and accomplishment. 

In a rite of passage when our school closed due to integration in 1966 we were allowed to take one book from the school library. Robinson Crusoe Illustrated by N.C.  Wyeth was my; without hesitation, choice. I have it even now and as I hold it and peruse it, I remain in awe as it makes me smile.  

Life Doesn't Frighten Me

Shadows on the wall

Noises down the hall

Life doesn’t frighten me at all

Bad dogs barking Loud

Big ghosts in a cloud

Life doesn’t frighten me at all

Mean old Mother Goose

Lions on the loose

They don’t frighten me at all

Dragons breathing flame

On my counterpane

That doesn’t frighten me at all

I go boo

Make them shoo

I make fun

Way they run

I won’t cry

So they fly

I just smile

They go wild

Life doesn’t frighten me at all

Tough guys fight

All alone at night

Life doesn’t frighten me at all

Panthers in the park

Strangers in the dark

No, they don’t frighten me at all

That new classroom where

Boys all pull my hair

(Kissy little girls

With their hair in curls)

They don’t frighten me at all

Don’t show me frogs and snakes

And listen for my scream,

If I’m afraid at all

It’s only in my dreams.

I’ve got a magic charm

That I keep up my sleeve,

I can walk the ocean floor

And never have to breathe.

Life doesn’t frighten me at all

Not at all

Not at all.

Life doesn’t frighten me at all.   

Jean-Michel Basquiat  and  Maya Angelou

The Wholly Original & Brilliantly Unique Jae Lee

           

        

 

 

 

His work is decorative, minimal intricate, detailed and refined. The work in many ways is a genre unto itself. Artist/Illustrator Jae lee is the elegance among the utilitarian, the poetry among the mundane. lee is best known for his still bourgeoning career as a graphic story-teller for Marvel and DC comics. His assignments consist of the “special” and the “heavy-weight” projects. Marvel’s adaptation of the Stephen King series “The Dark Tower” went to lee and it is to date is his most powerful achievement. The panels are rich with substance, alluring and visceral to an extreme. The ‘Tower” books; scripted by Peter David with King himself serving as creative and executive director are treasures.

 

 

                   

 

 

Lee is easily placing himself among the greats both in and outside of the comic medium with past and contemporary artists. Visionaries from Maxfield Parrish to Chris Van Allsburg are rivaled and complimented by lee. The master sculpture Michelangelo can even be referenced by the work of lee. The “Pieta” seems to be an inspiration for Lee who is quickly becoming a master of his craft and as an artist surpassing all norms.

                    

 

                                                                                                    

 

“The Illustrated Dracula” by Bram Stoker illustrated by Jae lee is one of the handsomest volumes of any modern publication. The book fits perfectly into the hand. It is precisely weighted and just plain feels good to hold. In another time this wouldn’t be so much a consideration but in this increasingly print less society it is a committed endorsement of the ancient process of book making. The paperback edition in design gives the illusion of worn leather and it is  tompe-l’oeil used to spectacular effect. I am reminded of a church hymnal in that it is very equal in look and size. The illustrations are not intrusive or distractions but give the edition an intended welcoming illumination. The enhanced drawings are again minimal, gothic and beautiful.

 

 

 

Jae lee’s new work remains anticipated by his followers and he seldom fails to deliver certain greatness into a pretentious, while ordinary world of massive mediocrity. His involvement with DC Comic’s reboot “Batman/Superman” series gives a marked importance to what might otherwise be a failed project. Lee’s efforts are always interesting, always pushing a little farther than the pack. The folks at DC have fallen behind their chief competition Marvel. They have been vastly outdistanced and hope to revamp and capitalize in publishing and especially in the film industry. Marvel has captured a large portion of the film world with “The Avengers” and their other film franchises like “Thor, Iron-Man and Captain America.” The popularity, quality and fascination Lee brings to his projects are intrinsically valuable especially at this critical time for the industry. DC Comics sees a successful “Batman/Superman” book as essential to their efforts and a prelude to a “Justice League” film franchise.

 

Jae Lee is an artist of the highest standards; someone to count on to deliver and to thrill. Look for him in a book store near you. The Graphic Novel section would be the place to begin; then on to the classics of literature and beyond.

 

 

BANKSY

He should be arrested for his crimes. He should be commended for his social commentary. He has defaced property. He has enhanced his urban environment. He is a criminal. He is an artist. Banksy is in a league of his own. He is one of the coolest guys that no one knows…at least his true identity. No one knows him besides his art dealer and a select few. Literally making his mark first all over Bristol and London; now the world is target. Ranging from Tel Aviv to New York he is a sensation. His works are alarming, humorous, poignant and ridiculous. An Artist/Graffiti Writer of a unique, personal vision that engages and enrages in equal measure. His work is distinctive and immediately recognizable.

Banksy works primarily with stencils. He can accomplish more in a short, safer time period. His work is going on walls and spaces that if he were caught in the act of posting would lead to serious jail time. He has placed his work on gallery walls like the Tate and modified objects on sidewalks for his artistic purposes. Often his stencils extend from their wall beginnings into and becoming a true part of the world. His graffiti is often tailored for a specific spaces and this speaks to his brilliance and daring. Location is all to Banksy.

“Exit Through The Gift Shop” is Banksy’s documentary film piece. It is amazing! It centrally questions the notion of art and the artist in the contemporary world. His book “Banksy,Wall and Piece” should be in every home and library. Many of his quotes, illustrations and stories are told here.

He has ventured into animation with an extended “Simpson” intro segment. This was another phenomenal piece for the adventurous Banksy.  Banksy is in the running of becoming one of the enlightened social humorists of our times and compares to the greats of print, literature, spoken word and paint. His reputation is richly deserved; a true artist in tune with his times speaking with a resounding voice. Long live Banksy!

Banksy Quotes

"A lot of mothers will do anything for their children, except let them be themselves.”

― Banksy 

“The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules but by people following the rules. It's people who follow orders that drop bombs and massacre villages”

― Banksy

“I mean, they say you die twice. One time when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit later on, when somebody says your name for the last time.”

― Banksy

“Sometimes I feel so sick at the state of the world I can't even finish my second apple pie.”

― Banksy