side show signage

I've been going on about Coney Island and the crazy tales of what all happened there in the 20's and 30's , especially the side shows with freaks on parade, like the bearded lady, the sword swallowers, the mermaids, stuffed unicorns and all sorts of freakish oddities all on show for a nickel ( Coney Island used to be affectionately referred to as Nickel world, the train to Coney Island and every joyride , sideshow or other fantastic attraction being priced at a nickel).

But I suppose from a visual artist's point of view , the craft and sheer magical imagery of the posters and signage was something with a hypnotic appeal all of it's own. While in my own little sideshow daze, jumping from link to link online, I came across a modern illustrator , taking his cue from that era. His name is Joe Coleman, and here's his link. I'm sure there's more authentic examples out there, but this is merely a start.

While we're at it, some carny / side show lingo

retro romantic metaphysical line drawings for the childlike and generally bemused

Some cat girls dancing, a dog riding a bike...whatever

Some flowers

Ok, ok , so I know it's really cheesy, but I thought I'd post this in time for Valentiines Day. Did it a few years ago . Click here to download the EXE

Check it

I recently came across some really great sites, so I've decided to create a new section on this here blog, for all sorts of niceties I might come across whilst meandering through the electronic meadow. It;s called "Chew on this" and will hopefully be mediated on a regular basis. Have a look to your right please...down, down, little more.. there you go!

redsilas

Came across an illustrator in the march/apr 2006 issue of print magazine who's work I really admire. I'm a sucker for this style of illustration.

His name is Cristopher Silas Neal ( click here to go to his website )

The Hound, the Cat and Sir Toad went for a walk

Ok, ok , I know I'm supposed to be working but dammit my brain's still in holiday mode. More illustrations inspired by the artwork contained in the booklet of Smashing Pumpkin's "Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness".

Man in the moon

Hey, back from holiday. Hope everybody got a neat present or at least laid/drunk/religion.. etc.
So paged again through the booklet of Smashing Pumpkins' "Mellon Collie" and the illustrations are just amazing. Old nineteen twenties style collage and line drawings ( some might remember the video of "Tonight Tonight ( click here to watch on youtube)" with people going into space in a zeppelin, walking on a strange planet with these flat landscapes in their swallow tail coats and top hats. Really beautiful grading and treatment. Herewith thus , inspired by aforementioned, a little sketch of how I think the man in the moon looks like