In Search of Forever

by Rodney Matthews

The images in Rodney Matthews’ fantasy world flood forth in bright, vivid abundance. With entertaining narration by well-known writer Nigel Suckling and Matthews himself, this compilation of his posters, book covers, record sleeves, and calendars reveals how he goes from sketch to finished work, demonstrating both his techniques and his affinity for detail.

Genres: Art, Fantasy

144 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2000

About the author

Rodney Matthews is an internationally acclaimed illustrator and conceptual designer of fantasy and science fiction. Born in 1945, in Paulton, England, his distinctive style gained prominence in the 1970s with his poster art which sold in millions worldwide. His rich vision, characterised by lavish landscapes, ethereal cities, strange creatures and mammoth machinery, became the face of both the music and literature of the era. He has illustrated over 140 album covers for influential rock bands, such as Thin Lizzy, Asia and Rick Wakeman, while also becoming a favourite in the genre of speculative fiction, notably with science fiction and fantasy writer, Michael Moorcock.

In a career that has spanned decades, Matthews has also made his mark in the video game industry, working alongside the likes of Traveller’s Tales and Sony Psygnosis, as well as in animation, being given free rein to create and design the children’s TV series ‘Lavender Castle’ for Gerry Anderson. These days he works mainly on his own intellectual properties, which includes a sequel to his multi-award-winning animation, ‘Yendor – The Journey of a Junior Adventurer’, and further tales of Oddney’s Otherland. Matthews is also a talented musician and is recording his next album.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

As is often the case I go looking for a book and come away with a whole stack I want to read - and more often than not without actually finding the book I was originally there for. Okay so yes once I spotted this I had to sit down and read it. Always as entertaining and always as nostalgic this is a book I will never stop going back and I love it for that.


Okay this is the second (if not more) but I make not apologies after all its not everyday you get to meet the artist in question. Yes I was lucky enough to meet Rodney Matthews recently at a local art exhibition of this work and impressive does not do it justice.

IT was also a little surreal as I remember his work from when I was at school - and then later at university (a friend was a huge fan and had his work all over the walls) and that was over 20 years go (going on nearly 30).

So what can I say about the book - well this is the first of his collected work and having now seen the full range of Matthews work through the years and how his style has changed in technique but not in content I have now come to appreciate his work in a totally different light. I will admit I was not sure what I would think once I saw his work up close however I now think of his work with a whole new level of respect.

[S. D. Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A staggeringly talented artist who deserves more wall space.

Storytellers Night and Lament for the Weary are classic pieces of fantasy art.