Early on in Sylvia Plath’s classic novel, The Bell Jar, the main character, Esther, attempts to take her own life by drowning in Boston Harbor. This would set the tone for her struggles to maneuver through this world with mental illness. In real life, the author enlightened us to the deep depression so many people suffer through silently.
Jack Kerouac
Born in Lowell Massachusetts, he was destined to go on the road. Jack Kerouac emerged from this New England town to become a poetic voice for the beat generation.
Prints of this piece are available here!
Samuel Beckett
Here’s a portrait of renowned playwright, poet and writer, Samuel Beckett, born in Dublin, Ireland. This piece was drawn directly on a 1966 road map which my parents used to navigate this beautiful country. This is piece is inspired by a series called World Tour - in which I used pages from an old atlas as canvases - painting images relating to the place on each map.
Signed prints of this piece are available here!
Nick Cave
Here's a portrait of legendary Australian musician, Nick Cave. This dark poet composes some of the most melancholy music on this mortal coil, yet, the results are sublimely beautiful. This is inspired by a series called World Tour - in which I use pages from an old atlas as canvases - painting images relating to the place on each map.
Signed prints of this piece are available here!
Lord Tennyson
On a recent visit to my local recycling center, I came across a mysterious book called Esoteric Astrology, which was well over 100 years old. It was filled with strange diagrams, as well as astrological charts of notable people. Here’s a portrait of the 19th Century poet laureate of England, Lord Tennyson
Please visit my Etsy shop to view more interesting portraits (signed prints are available)!
W.H. Auden
Here's a portrait of W.H. Auden, who is regarded as one of England's greatest poets. I drew him on a parking map of York, where he was born. Much like the roads depicted on this map, I imagine the lines on his face would lead us on some truly lyrical adventures.
To purchase signed prints of many of my portraits, please visit my Etsy Shop!
Leonard Cohen
Enough with trade wars and tariffs. America needs more great Canadian imports, like Leonard Cohen. This legendary singer/songwriter, poet, and novelist was born and raised just outside Montreal, Quebec. We lost him last year, but this true artistic spirit's legacy lives on.
Bob Dylan
He emerged from the land of ten thousand lakes, with poetry tapped from the deepest of waters. His name is Bob Dylan.