Walton Ford's divine Taschen tome, Pancha Tantra
, had a moment in the Sex and the City 2 movie on Carrie and Big's coffee table (are you as burned out on SATC as I am?! ugh...) which led a few observant ladies to email me asking for more info. As if I need an excuse to buy a book y'all. While his work is clearly naturalist, Mr. Ford often makes use of satirical human details (like a pack of Bazooka Joe in a bird's beak!) and shows no fear of the brutality of the wild. His subjects are always beautiful beasts... often with murderous intent. I love Walton Ford's work for the same reason I love John Currin's -- the technique and the subjects are beautiful, but the undertone is dark -- often barbaric and uncomfortable. Something about the dichotomy of beauty and the beast is something I'm fascinated by.
, had a moment in the Sex and the City 2 movie on Carrie and Big's coffee table (are you as burned out on SATC as I am?! ugh...) which led a few observant ladies to email me asking for more info. As if I need an excuse to buy a book y'all. While his work is clearly naturalist, Mr. Ford often makes use of satirical human details (like a pack of Bazooka Joe in a bird's beak!) and shows no fear of the brutality of the wild. His subjects are always beautiful beasts... often with murderous intent. I love Walton Ford's work for the same reason I love John Currin's -- the technique and the subjects are beautiful, but the undertone is dark -- often barbaric and uncomfortable. Something about the dichotomy of beauty and the beast is something I'm fascinated by. 
PBS did a great documentary on Walton Ford a bit ago that you can watch here. You can also see his video self-portrait, produced by Taschen right here, where he makes some interesting comments on his work and influences (like Audubon, which I don't think would surprise anyone) -- personally I am so glad to own Pancha Tantra
. It's truly one of the most gorgeous, substantial books in my collection. I'm actually designing a blog with a client right now that is inspired by it! Can't wait to share that with y'all :)
4 comments:
I obviously was immediately obsessed with this book. Thanks for sharing - mine should be here shortly! :)
You are fantastic at describing art and I would love to read more of your opinions on the art world! Give us more!
I'm loving this art as well! The twisted flamingo and the monkeys are my favorites! It's like he's captured the personalities of animals! Not just showing them as props for our viewing pleasure but as living beings with feelings and traits! Amazing!
@Natalie -- haha, isn't it awesome?? A little pricey but who cares. Wait till you see how HUGE it is! I love it.
@Pink Julep -- that is so nice of you! I love art and I've been trying to work more art and music into the blog, so I will definitely take your advice to heart :)
These drawings are fantastic! Great post :)
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