There’s a peculiar syndrome among artists that parallels the discussions of many a record store clerk, except amongst artists “have you heard” becomes “have you seen.” Depending on whose chin is wagging, you might come away with the names of a couple of Argentinian comic artists, a slew of nineteenth century naturalist painters, or someone’s favorite Japanese printmaker.
In no particular order, other than alphabetical, we present to you this weekly feature about artists who help power our pencils.
Jeremy Geddes
We first noticed Mr. Geddes through Ashley Woods’ wonderful publication, Popbot. He’s recently become obsessed with cosmonaut suits, rendering them in highly polished cinematic realism.
Jean-Léon Gérôme
Orientalist and academic painter. He was well known for his highly accurate depictions of historical scenes and the then current world of North Africa and Western Asia. He was a titan in Academic times and his work might be the gold standard for the technical rendering of reality.
Ghost Co.
Ghost Co. is the online handle for Matthew Woodson, an editorial illustrator whose confident inking and muted silvery palette tend to depict the darker side of youth and the midwest. He has a penchant for eviscerated animals and tea cups.
Juan Gimenez
An Argentinian comic artist, who, along with writer Alejandro Jodorowsky, is known for that most operatic of space operas, the MetaBarons saga. His pages are loaded with elaborate detail, complex perspectives and an affection for the color blue.
Peter Gric
There are many branches on the tree of art but Eastern Europe seems to have grown it’s own tree altogether. A fine example is Peter Gric, a Czech surrealist working in Austria, his work is marked by an obsession with complex organic scaffolding and elaborate cyclopean spaces.
Matthias Grunewald
The Northern Renaissance could arguably be the root of all surreal and fantastic painting. Matthias, who worked during the 14th century, painted in bizarre colors depicting even more bizarre monsters, all of whom probably would have been at home in a Labyrinth-era Henson film.
C O L O P H O N
The capital G from Goudy Old Style, one of very many typefaces by influential American type designer and founder Frederic Goudy, and Joanna, “a book face free from all fancy business,” by English engraver and type designer Eric Gill.
We are Kurt Huggins and Zelda Devon. We live in a pocket-sized apartment in Brooklyn where we collect neat, weird things. Our home is abundant with books, old furniture, mismatching tea cups, and a cat named Cipher. We both illustrate stuff for money so we can continue to invent stories, buy shoelaces, watch puppet shows, and eat sandwiches.
I realize that he’s more mainstream than most of your choices, but Jean Giraud (Moebius) certainly has an inspirational feel for a lot of today’s visual fantasists. When I saw Gimenez I thought of Jodorowsky, who is absolutely tied to Moebuis in my mind.
I figured if you were thinking of Metabarons, you might think of The Incal as well (hence Moebius).
I just hit post, and I thought I should point out that in now way was my prior comment meant as a criticism, I was just surprised by the inclusion of Gimenez and not Giraud.
I realize this is essentially a personal list, and I for one absolutely LOVE this feature.
Hang on, BookGoblin, we haven’t reached the M’s yet! We like to list people by their fake names. Speaking of fake names, I very much like your handle.
Wow! Thank you for Jeremy Geddes. Very cool stuff!
No James Gurney, inimitable author of Dinotopia?
Man, I love Geddes work. I only saw an original once — huge painting with a super slick varnish – like glass. I’d love to see a full exhibit of his work.
Ah, come one. What about HR Giger?
Jeremy Geddes paintings. Holy crap! Those are awesome!
I feel like a complete idiot for not knowing of him before, but thank you VERY much for the post!