Black-Jack-1968

My name is Jack D. Graham: Writer, Philosopher, Critic. At least that is what I would like my tombstone to say.

I am here to learn. I am a lover of fantasy art and have collected works by Boris Vallejo, Luis Royo, and others for over 20 years. Besides the elements of the Fantastic which are created so realistic as to allow me to suspend my disbelief, the artists render the human form with superior aesthetic. I appreciate this same skill in the works of Alberto Vargas, Olivia De Berardinis, and many other pin-up artist. I can see my attraction to these artists in the visual appeal of the subject matter, but also in the hyper realism and and the idealization of the human form can also be found in the renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

I have continued to explore the realms of both fantasy and pin-up artists, especially where these two fields overlap. Artist like Clyde Caldwell, Dorian Clevenger, and Hildebrandt produce some amazing pieces of art. This exploration has introduced me to many other artist who’s work I find intriguing, though they do not have the same aesthetic; Frank Frazetta, Simon Bisley, ,Patrick Nagel, Lorenzo Sperlonga. And the divergence of such artists like Hajime Sorayama which maintain the aesthetic of the pin-up have introduced the erotic and fantastic into such vivid realism.

Additionally I have found the story history, and critical analysis of the works of the masters to be quite fascinating. The interpretations and meanings in the imagery, symbolism, and structure are very intriguing. It is this symbology and secret meanings which I use to justify my jump to an interest in Anime which has it’s own codes, symbolism, and cultural commentary. The aesthetic is very very different than those of the previously mentioned artists, as is the style and medium – but it holds a similar appeal to me for some reason – perhaps it is because it does not compete with the imagery of Royo, Vallejo, or Michelangelo, but works with the same level to suspend my disbelief – such hyper realism found in the “Ghost in the Shell” and other such works have introduced me to this vast new and varied art form.

Because I do not come to this media with the same standard as the masters da Vinci, and Michelangelo to use as a comparison, I am discovering my own discernment of what is good art both in the aesthetic and in the presentation.

I like deviantART because the artists provide some background as to the inspirations and motivations for the pieces they produce.

Current Residence: Hillsboro, Oregon 97123
Favourite genre of music: Metal
Favourite style of art: High Detail Fantasy
Favourite cartoon character: The girls of Bleach
Personal Quote: Whoever said you can't have it all wasn't thinking hard enough.