In some ways I think of myself as an illustrator, although often for instances that are exclusively in my mind. Some people have the fortune of providing accompaniments for other like minded individuals; Ralph Steadman is not a lonely man (or so I hope). It’s clear that he has the greatest possible outlook on what he may view as a nasty, brutish and short life in this world. His collaborations – probably most notably with Hunter S. Thompson, but also for George Orwell, Vonnegut, and other token status quo challengers – are both gruesome realizations of what is on the page as well as satiric stand-alone works. I hope not to rely on such crutch words as “demented” when admiring Steadman’s pen and ink drawings, but I’m not entirely sure it’s within my capacity, as I’d just be using synonyms. Anyway, it’s a joyous sort of mania. When I create characters I hope to fill them with some degree of the viciousness and individuality of Steadman (even those with the most milquetoast demeanor).
1st picture - from jerellekraus.com, who edited a collection of political cartoons (as far as I can tell)
2nd - from ralphsteadman.com ("Midget Bad Craziness")
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