(A few of) my favorite art books
Sharing bits and pieces from my top tier obsession, BOOKS
Hi hi hi!!
As a result of a cross country move and the subsequent reckoning with quite literally every single item I own, I have been thinking about OBSESSION, some would say, obsessively, for weeks now. So that’s what I’m diving into in this newsletter.
I keep having these little moments in which I realize that I am gushing about something random (this, this, or maybe this) and the person in front of me has gone, and I say this respectfully and with love, dead behind the eyes. And then I have to back up and remember that not everyone is as thrilled to hear about like, Cecil Beaton’s meticulous scrapbooking, as I am. (But some people are and I LOVE them for it.)
Basically, I’ve been a little beat-myself-up-y about it- feeling like I’m too much, like a bull in a china shop. Evil brain! But I’ve been reminding myself that being wildly passionate and somewhat intense is actually what gives my work (and life, tbh) depth. It gives me something to think about from the second I wake up in the morning to right before I fall asleep. It lights a fire under my ass to make things that are bigger and better and immersive and could potentially be fun for someone *else* to obsess over. To make things that might outlive me! Or at the very least make it really fun to be alive.
I’m feeling a little drained right now and don’t have many original-seeming thoughts in my brain (shoutout to my famous cross country drive that culminated in my very own case of the novel Cornovavirus! I’m better now, it’s fine). So this week I’m going to show you a few of my favorite art books- they’re the culmination of many obsessions, and moving them across the country and trying to fit them all into my new (small) room has really made me aware of the…magnitude of my collection. But my truth is- there’s nothing I’d rather be surrounded with than other peoples’ art. It’s my favorite obsession. So let’s ride!!!
But first, real quick- an update!
I am officially in LOS ANGELES! PERMANENTLY! I love it here so much- despite the stress of moving and general transitional jitters, I am really, really happy. I’m so excited to get to work making new art with amazing people out here. That said- if you’re in Los Angeles and need photos, or would like to work with me in some capacity, email me and my manager, McKenzie. We would love to talk!
Ok, book obsession time-
I’m going to share a few spreads from my favorite art books to hopefully urge you to 1. be inspired and/or 2. buy a copy of anything that piques your interest. If you’re short on cash right now and can’t buy from an awesome indie bookseller, I recommend secondhand online bookstores like Thriftbooks, AbeBooks, Alibris, or just grabbing a cheap copy on Ebay. This is what I do 70% of the time and it enables me to have SO MANY BOOKS at my fingertips for not a lot of cash. Just sayin’.
*These aren’t in any particular order!!!!!!
#1: John Waters by Todd Oldham
I found this while searching for pictures of John Waters’ house (which has been well documented in many places, including Rookie, which was likely the first time I was exposed to John Waters.) This book is literally just pictures of John’s home in Baltimore, and is part of a larger series of books by Todd Oldham in which he photographs interesting places. If you don’t know Todd Oldham, immerse yourself in THIS! He’s worked with so many artists I love like Amy Sedaris, Wayne White, and Joan Jett, and is a jack of all trades-type creative powerhouse.
Anyway- I love looking at other peoples’ houses, especially creative people, and John’s is ultimate.
There’s also a short essay by Cindy Sherman in the back that I really like. This book has it ALL.
#2: Joni Mabe’s Museum Book: The First Museum in Book Form by Joni Mabe
I would be remiss to make a list of my favorite art books and not include Joni Mabe’s Museum Book: THE FIRST MUSEUM IN BOOK FORM, in which the iconic Georgia artist (and owner of the Everything Elvis museum) Joni Mabe collages memorabilia, news clippings, stickers, and other pop culture ephemera featuring some of the best and worst people of all time. It’s a feast for the eyes and is equal parts beautiful and disturbing- the title isn’t a joke. I’m leaving out some of the pages that feature “3 OF THE WORST” because they’re better viewed in context with the entire book, JSYK.
Joni is from the same town in North Georgia as a lot of my family, so she and the Elvis Museum have been more or less like family lore- I heard about her now and then growing up. When I was in college, I was so excited to discover her glitter paintings, many of which star Elvis, and to learn that she shows work in museums in Atlanta frequently. People who are obsessive fans make the best art!!! I will not yet rest my case!!!
I love the bizarre mash of scrapbook-y type collage, which is pretty decorative and camp in this case, mashed with many deeply problematic (mostly southern) celebrities/figures. It feels very much like Joni’s personal archive of pop culture- and I’m really not sure if there’s anything else she’s trying to say besides that. It’s weird and unique and I’m glad I have a copy. Also strange to have a spiral bound book? Anyway. I like it. Moving on!
#3: Annie Leibovitz at Work
I’m going to get straight to the point here- this book rips because it’s just Annie talking through different bodies of work, explaining her process and giving a behind the scenes look at some of her pictures. Then there’s a great Q&A at the end in which she answers questions that were clearly asked by other photographers- it’s a really great nerd book and that’s all that needs to be said.
#4: Hot Mamma by Sinjun Strom
Baller to have a front cover with no title, IMO. This is Hot Mamma by Sinjun Strom, who’s an amazing photographer that I’ve been following for years. She shoots all film, and frequently her work has a strong handmade touch- if you’ve ever heard me talk about art, you know I love being able to see intentional imperfections and the artist’s hand. She literally hand painted the cover of this edition of books which makes it extra special. I’m not sure if you can buy copies of this anymore, so I’m excited to share it to remind you that when artists you love release books, especially limited/unique ones, try to buy them!!!! I’ve never regretted it!
#5: Pictures by Tim Walker
I don’t know how to describe this besides to say it is my holy text. It has just about everything I want in an artist’s book- 300+ pages spanning decades of work, giant full bleed images, and most importantly, sketches/collages/behind the scenes peek at his process. I love Tim’s photos because they’re BIG and fantastical and surreal and colorful, but the best thing to me is that it still remains accessible- I can always see a human hand in his work, evidence that it’s been created by people with hearts and brains (as opposed to the sleek, boring, retouched fashion photography that was and TBH still is so common).
But the true GAG of this book are these intimate little details that beg for attention- you need hours and multiple looks to really get ahold of this body of work. I’ve had this for years but still find new things every time I sit down with it. It’s rare that I look at it without getting EMOTIONAL like, CRYING emotional because it reminds me why I make art at all. Immersive fantasy has always been my shit, and as an artist, it’s so special to me to be able to see BTS/process/outtakes/sketches. To peek into the obsessions of my obsessions! It all goes back to creative genealogy and the feeling of being connected to other artists.
UGH wow that was fun- thank you for reading all of this. If you want, recommend me your favorite art books- I’m always looking for more. Also, as per usual please email me back if you have any thoughts/questions/requests. Yay!
PS- send this to a friend that you think would like it, please, and subscribe if you haven’t already! THANK YOUUUUUU + talk soon
