Clive Barker : Illustrator

by Fred Burke, Steve Niles (Editor), Clive Barker (Illustrator)

Clive Barker, author, film director and visual artist known for his explorations in fantasy and horror, presents many of his provocative sketches and paintings in this collection. In a lively introduction to the book, comics artist and editor Stephen R. Bissette notes that "these brush studies are among Clive's most accomplished works, spare in technique, rich in their simplicity and bold expression." Here, Bissette adds, "Barker shares the uninhibited obsession with sensuality, pain, grotesques, and monsters rendered in a wry cartoon style..."

Genres: Art, Horror, Nonfiction

124 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[D.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only own this book as part of an overall geekdom for Clive Barker, and don't really imagine it would be in my library of art books otherwise. While his artwork is interesting as a part of the greater mythology of Barker's work, I don't really find it particularly compelling.
The book itself does an adequate job presenting the art itself, but fails as a legitimate art book in mislabelling pieces which have titles clearly written on them, not noting sizes or media for any of the art, and completely ignoring any data for the brief colour section at the start. Fred Burke's running commentary is interesting, though it's largely comprised of Barker interview quotes. Unfortunately, Burke's text often refers to art not found anywhere near the reference (and even nowhere in the book at least once).
This was, however, a high-end publication from a company more heavily devoted to comics (and trading cards) all through the 90s. With that considered, not a bad book altogether, but still better for fans than for art buffs.

[Rio Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best laid out art books I've read. It was so fascinating getting to see Clive Barker's artwork for the first time. I was very proud and happy to give it away as a gift to a very close friend of mine who's an amazing artist.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very twisted. I wouldn't recommend it, but if you are a Clive Barker fan, you might want to take a look at it.

[Aaron the Pink Donut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little survey of early art from Mr Barker. Beautifully elegant pen and ink brush works throughout with a smidgen of painting here and there.

[Kathy Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have had this since it came out...and I still love to visit it from time to time over the years, and see different worlds in the pictures each time.

[James Adamiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy Clive Barkers work this is a must have. Dark, sexual and symbolic...