The "Gormenghast" trilogy, by British author Mervyn Peake, is one of the most disturbing fantasy series I've ever read. Despite, or because of that, it is perennially popular in Britain and other English-speaking countries. It's a Gothic black humor tale of the young inheritor of a fantasy earldom called "Gormenghast," and the evil kitchen boy who manipulates everyone in the castle for his own advantage. It's full of typically British funnynames such as "Prunesquallor" and "Rottcodd" and "Sourdust."
I went to the World Science Fiction Convention in Brighton, England in 1987, and figured that I would do at least one piece from a British favorite. So I did this one, mostly architectural fantasy, and dragged it overseas. Fortunately, it sold, though not for very much.
"Titus and Gormenghast" is ink and watercolor on illustration board, 20" x 24", August 1987.
No comments:
Post a Comment