Sunday, November 21, 2010

Exhibition 'Mooi is dat!'

Since the 13th of november the pages of 'Mooi is dat!' are exhibited in the Amsterdam Library.
The exhibition also includes original work and sketches of the artists and will last till the 16th of january 2011. After it will start a journey which begins at the Stripmuseum in Brussels, Belgium.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Memory of Holland

As I've written before my contribution to 'Mooi is dat!' is my visual interpretation of the beautiful poem 'Memory of Holland' by Hendrik Marsman. It was written in 1936 and describes the beauty but also the threat of the Dutch landscape and nature. The poem was chosen as the most popular one of the 20th century.
DenkendaanHolland.jpg picture by erikdegraaf

Memory of Holland

Thinking of Holland
I see wide-flowing rivers
slowly traversing
infinite plains,
inconceivably
rarefied poplars
like lofty plumes
on the skyline in lanes;
and submerged in the vastness
of unbounded spaces
the farmhouses
strewn over the land,
tree clumps, villages,
truncated towers,
churches and elm trees -
all wondrously planned.
the sky hangs low
and slowly the sun by
mists of all colours
is stifled and greyed
and in all the regions
the voice of the water
with its endless disasters
is feared and obeyed.

When I read the poem I could recognize the wideness and beauty of the Dutch landscape, but I also felt the threat in Marsman's words, growing and growing with every strophe. I have tried to translate that feeling in the imagery and colours of my artwork.
In the last strophe Marsman describes the danger of the water that is everywhere. There it became even more interesting for me. Because Marsman and his wife fled from France by boat at the beginning of the Second Worldwar. But their ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat and Marsman died, swallowed by... the water.
That's why I have drawn a small story in the margin where you can see Marsman's last minutes. Finally the two stories come together 'in water'.

If you're interested in a signed print of this work (size 28,5 x 40,0 cm), prize 20,- euro's (shipping costs not included), please send me an email: erikdegraafcomics@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Utrecht, 6th of november

Utrecht12010.jpg picture by erikdegraaf
Last saturday I was at 'de Kunststripbeurs' in Utrecht with my books, prints, postcards and other stuff. This happening in the 'Janskerk' is a very nice way for comicartists to meet a new public.
For the visitors there was a lot to discover: well known artists like Joost Swarte, Hanco Kolk and Maaike Hartjes, but also upcoming talents like Aimé de Jong and Martijn van Santen.
Utrecht22010.jpg picture by erikdegraaf
The doors opened at ten o'clock but the start was quite slow. Around one o'clock more people came in and I had a busy afternoon signing and selling my stuff.
At two o'clock 'Mooi is dat!' was presented and after that I could also sell signed prints of my contribution to the book. I got very positive reactions on it.
But my moment of the day was meeting Javier Mariscal who gave me beautiful compliments about my work. He made my day!
Utrecht32010.jpg picture by erikdegraaf

Monday, November 8, 2010

Impression Comic Artfair Utrecht!

Journalist Michael Minneboo made a nice (movie) impression of the 'Kunststripbeurs' of last saturday in Utrecht.
Take a look here!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Next sturday, don't forget: Comics-art fair in Utrecht

Kunststripbeurs.jpg picture by erikdegraaf
I just want to remind you that this saturday, 6th of november, I will be at the 'Kunststripbeurs' at the Janskerk in Utrecht. Doors open at 10 o'clock. I will bring all my books, and sign them personally for you if you like, postcards and several colorprints.
After the presentation of 'Mooi is dat' at 2 o'clock I will also sell signed prints of my contribution to the book: 'Denkend aan Holland'.
Hope to see you there!