The tragedy of Genius...

On Saturday a 27 year old woman lost a battle, with herself...and that is a tragedy. Her, undisputed, talent was not enough to outdistance the demons that chased her...and that also is a tragedy. That, so many times, genius and fragility should entwine themselves so tightly; and take so much talent from us...is yet another tragedy.

Maybe more could have been done but, as Russell Brand observed, such points are now moot. Whatever her personal shortcomings, Amy Winehouse was a musical force of nature; that she left us so little will only speed up her journey to cult immortality.

Here I give you a sassy, irreverent caricature of her with what little talent I possess. Sleep tight Amy, you are beyond the grasp of those who would torment you now...sleep tight.

Excelsior out!

Hat's Off to Victor!!!

Just finished the splendid memoirs of, the legendary, Vic Armstrong! 

"The True Adventures of The World's Greatest Stuntman" is a cracking read, taking you a joyful stroll through the last 44 years of action cinema...with Vic as your host. 

It's easy, anecdotal style bathes you in a warm nostalgic glow. It informs and delights in equal measure, with Vic being just indiscreet enough to make us feel like voyeurs, but circumspect enough to avoid being spiteful.

The entire enterprise is peppered with parties, pub visits, vivid characters and engrossing detail; making you wish you'd been there with him for the whole rollercoaster ride. Shot through the entire book, like lettering through rock, is Vic's enthusiasm, wonder and enduring love for a business he has graced for 44 years.

Mr. Armstrong, sir, I salute you!!

Update: After getting in touch with Vic recently, and showing him this caricature, he was kind enough to request a print...which I duly sent him. I am now framed on the wall of his office!! A fact that brings me no small measure of delight!!

Excelsior Out!

R-Patz revealed!!

Here, dear reader, is the finished Robert Pattinson caricature as published in SFX magazine. The article delt with the real problems of having a vampire boyfriend, hence Roberts sickly demeanour. Doubtless R-Patz fans will find it repellant, a fella has to pay the bills somehow!

Excelsior out!!

Excelsior in print...again!

The good folk at SFX have, very kindly, comissioned my work for one of their splendid articles. Thanks to the mighty Russell Lewin for deciding that SFX needed added Excelsior! Mine is the Edward Cullen caricature...you'll have to buy the mag to see it! I'm preparing myself for a "Twi-Hard" backlash any day now!!!

Excelsior out!

Vampire Mash-Up!!!!

Here's a newly completed caricature! As an unapologetic Hammer fan I'll list this under "Scenes we'd like to see!"...Christopher Lee locking fangs with the "Twilight" crowd!! RPatz wouldn't stand a chance, the big man would wipe the floor with him!!! 

Sweet!!!

"Listen to the children of the night. What sweet music they make."

Excelsior Out!!

Excelsior makes it to print!!

Red letter month, this one is, as I've made it into print! SFX magazine (issue 203, featuring Tron Legacy) saw fit to print my "New Who" caricature on the letters page...for which I thank them. After exchanging e-mails with them I may get a shot at contributing to the mag in an editorial sense...so fingers crossed. 

I urge you to seek out SFX (regardless of whether I'm in it or not) as it's a top publication, with very many fine qualities to recommend it!!

Excelsior Out!!

"Sharks will only attack you when you're wet!!"

Number four in my series of comic caricatures features the splendidly surreal Sean Lock. "15 Stories" is one of the most criminally underrated sitcoms ever, I urge you to seek it out. 
Sean's stand up is fearless, fresh and barmy as a bag of hedgehogs, perhaps not as replete with manic energy as others, he soft sells his gags brilliantly.

He's a real one off! Comedy gold...without a doubt.

Excelsior out!