Artists' Book

Finally after having wandered back and forth to the nether regions of my imagination I have come up with a semi-solid idea of what this 'artists' book' will be.. given that it won't be a book.. but there will apparently be pages. It was in fact a simple conversation which help spark the idea. The father.. he has a use after all. It was in fact him who enlightened me with the artist known by the world as Frank Frazetta, an undoubtedly talented and unique illustrator of whom my house hold owns several books.

His work revolves around the depiction of heroes. Men and women defending themselves and sometimes others against great beasts. One of the reasons i love his work is that the creatures which appear in his paintings are not always the classic feared animals of the jungles of today.

Often, these beasts don't even exist.

However one of the most profound qualities of his works are how many of his pieces depict the strength and courage of women. Women who are physically strong, courageous, dangerous. You can literally see, and almost feel their muscles working under their skin as a means to their survival. Well, that, and the fact they're probably carrying a spear.

Alternatively with the second image, women are also depicted to be in alliance with these feared creatures. This is something I find very emotive to look at. For one I feel incredibly humble and vulnerable in the presence of great animals, which is why I find visiting the zoo a fascinating experience. The two portraits combined, strong and confident heroines, and ferocious, murderous animals, almost becoming partners, is such a powerful image.

Not to be interpreted as feminist, this work brings such a sense of elegance and beauty to what a man is seen to do instinctively. Each and every woman Frazetta creates has a personality, strategy, independence.. a mind of her own. She is at one with herself and the beings around her. These images are a vision of power, and just as if faced with one of the animals in Frazetta's work (the ones which are not extinct, of course) I am in awe.