Realized I've only mentioned this in my newsletter, but not yet here or the main dot com (another thing I ought to tend to this weekend), so here it is:

Forthcoming from MIT press and currently available for preorder, DEEP DREAM presents new science fiction stories about the future of art. Contributors include Samit Basu, Vajra Chandrasekera, Neil Clarke, Aliette de Bodard, Cassandra Khaw, Lavanya Lakshminarayan, Archita Mittra, Sloane Leong, Bruce Sterling, Wole Talabi, Lavie Tidhar and myself.

From the intro by Indrapramit Das:

“Renowned Egyptian artist Ganzeer gives us a vision of a USA where the production of art is forbidden in 'Unauthorized (Or, the Liberated Collectors Commune),' bringing his vibrantly playful countercultural sensibilities to the beloved science-fictional story of robots given to identity crises by the existence of their human creators.”

Pretty much sums it up. I recall writing it between Texas and Mexico shortly after separating from my now ex-wife, all of which seeps into the story somewhat. I've also come to notice that artists seem to make an appearance in most everything I write. Granted, this particular anthology's theme is the future of art. But still, I've got an artist in CRISPR THAN YOU (the story that appeared in THE BIG BOOK OF CYBERPUNK) and another in CHARLIE AND THE ALIENS which appears in WHO WILL SPEAK FOR AMERICA?. I've also got more than one in THE SOLAR GRID.

Oops.

#work #writing

Scanned in all the original art from TSG01 which forced me to look at it for the first time in a long time, realizing how drastically my line art has changed since I first started this ill-conceived project some nine years ago. Looking at those ancient pages, you can almost feel the weight of the world on my shoulders, stiff controlled lines, terrible worry. Not sure that comes across on the printed page necessarily, but certainly palpable on the original boards.

Lines loosen and glide a bit more on my latter pages, even in those scenes where I attempt to replicate the lineart from earlier pages.

Inking a couple pages today. A few orders need to be fulfilled, and a grocery run is in order, but dark windy skies threaten with hard rain.

#work #journal

Mad graffiti in the ghetto of Orson Wells on Mars.

For all the scenes on Mars in TSG, I've been inking with a brush as a sort of rule, but I may just have to make an exception for all that graffiti.

#work #tsg #comix

Late night inks on TSG. I reckon there'll be many such nights in coming weeks. Meanwhile, Garage.Ganzeer is being stocked with many original drawings and production art. Updates to Ganzeer.com to follow. Newsletter forthcoming this Saturday.

#work

Little dude's mouth needed a do-over, was a little to agape. The more subtle the expression, the harder it is to pull off. It's why the Mona Lisa's such a big deal.

#Work #comix #TSG

THE CURSE OF I #1 is now completely sold out. Only 4 copies remain of THE CURSE OF I #2.

More cover art to do today, inks on a TSG page, and adding a Clearance section to the Garage.

#work

Brain pattern for a thing today.

#work

Terrible migraine this morning, and much on the docket:

1) Photograph the entirety of PROJECT OLDBOOK. 2) Ink TSG page. 3) Work on two book covers.

Will also need to bake a fresh batch of granola this morning because I'm out. Pretty big project fell through the other day, which clears up a good chunk of the remainder of the year. Good for getting on with TSG, but less than ideal on the financial end of things. May have to finally part with some original TSG pages, something I've managed to avoid thus far. All of them, over 300 to date, still in my possession.

#journal #work

Passed out almost immediately after child was picked up by his mother yesterday, leaving much laundry, dishes, and other messes to deal with this Monday. Not an ideal way to start the work week. Managed to ink a page of TSG nonetheless. On the second-to-last chapter as we speak. In that so-close-yet-so-far stage of finally completing the book.

Went to see Garland's CIVIL WAR not once, but twice. It is very, very good. Some of its flaws are rather noticeable the second time around, but it is still very good, very powerful. Manages to suggest a great deal despite a rather simple, straightforward plot. Something I oughtta learn to do myself sometime.

#journal #work #film #watches

Reclining Nude 2024 – Mixed Media on Paper, 22”x15”

#work