Williams, Robert

Ink, Blood and Linseed Oil: The Collective Writings of Artist Robert Williams

ISBN: 9780867198874
San Francisco, CA: Last Gasp Press, 2022. First Edition. Hardcover. Signed by Legendary Underground Comix Artist, Robert Williams. “Listening to an interview on Milk Street Radio, I marveled at the humility and worldview of renowned French Chef Eric Ripert. At the conclusion, host Christopher Kimball noted how Ripert perceives himself more artisan than artist, attributing that to the chef’s sensibility of elevating craft above art: ‘One feeds mankind, the other feeds just one man.’ I immediately thought of Robert Williams.” (from pg. 1 of “Introduction,” by Gwynned Vitello of “Juxtapoz” Magazine). By way of the vehicle that was (& is) Robt. Williams’ great, contemporary Graphic Art-&-Beyond magazine, Juxtapoz, “Comix, psychedelia, street art and figurative fantasy could finally have a platform,” Vitello continues. However, it’s not until Williams’ own introduction, after Vitello’s, in which we get a clear-voiced answer to the question of precisely what fragments of Williams’ vigorous, visionary, and borderline Thompsonian prose will be made available to us eager and discerning Comix-fans-&-readers. “To truly understand Juxtapoz art magazine and its intentions,” Williams writes, “would be best explored by reprinting some of the magazine’s old introductions. When I wrote them they were intended to instill a certain Bohemian charm into an art world that pampers and dotes over its acolytes but promises little. My forewords are roughhewn and peppered with colorful expletives…Please understand that Juxtapoz magazine was an aspiration that was eventually realized—a rotten egg with a golden yolk.” (from Williams’ own introduction, “Art History with One Foot on a Banana Peel,” pg. 3). Other than heartily recommend you watch the George Dicaprio-produced documentary “Struggle,” about the wildly visionary Polish sculptor, Stanislav Szukalski (in which Williams himself profoundly [and hilariously] features), I will let the rip-roaring Williams say it all. Few experience the distinct literary pleasure which swells, un-timid, about the reader anytime Genius makes you laugh. Shakespeare does it, but so does Robert Williams. Crack a beer and READ! Hardcover in illustrated boards: First Edition, with no reference to both earlier editions and/or later printings at copyright page. This copy is additionally signed by the sui generis, California comix artist on custom, center-aligned rectangular bookplate present on recto of illustrated FFEP. Williams’ signature, in bold, black felt pen ink, reads: “Robert Williams.” Book in pronouncedly very fine condition, quite deserving of the “as new” designation we’ve afforded it here. As New. [Item #5105]

Price: $60.00