Busted: Variations On A Theme
No doubt about it: I’d love to do some illustration for WSJ Weekend, the Saturday-Sunday edition of The Wall Street Journal. Weekend contains news stories and opinion, along with an eclectic mix of profiles, reviews, and lifestyle features.
To that end, I thought I’d audition by posting work inspired by actual Weekend stories.
The March 18-19, 2017 edition had a story called A Boom In Busts, by Tim Gavan. It asked:
Can the head shots of the sculptural world, back in vogue after decades in the wings, work in homes that aren’t mansions? Or are they just too la-di-da?
Some excerpts:
“A bust’s effect really depends on its expression,” said Caleb Anderson of New York Design firm Drake/Anderson. “Whenever you look at them, you feel their emotion… they’re like another personality in the room.”
“They’re part of the party,” concurred New York designer Sasha Bikoff. “My dogs think a bust I have is a real person…”
“A bust becomes the focal point,” advised Natalie Shirinian, founder of NES Creative, a New York-based creative agency. “Have a balance of books and personal objects… to make the space feel like a home and not a museum.”
Busts needn’t be serious. New York designer Jesse Carrier says such busts “may not be considered ‘high art,’ but (they’re) beautifully crafted and deliver comedic relief at the same time.”
“Busts are captivating,” Mr. Anderson said. “People want to know whom they’re looking at– is it a character, a famous person, a regular person. What’s their story?”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thoughts? I’d appreciate your feedback.
You might also enjoy To Sleep, Perchance To Read.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
About Mark: I’m an illustrator specializing in humor, editorial, branding, social media, and content marketing. I create images that get content seen and shared.
You can view my portfolio, and connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Questions? Send me an email.
Mark Armstrong Illustration Specializing In Content Marketing Advertising Editorial Infographics Animation Videos and Social Media 
Your bust illustrations make me chuckle. Poor vampire! The last illustration made me think of the classical statues of a many breasted goddess – though in one museum we were told that the rows of boobs were actually bull testicles. My husband is obsessed with ancient Rome so he loves to look at busts of historic figures from that period. My kids always chuckle at the herma because they are just heads and genitals plonked on a column.
LikeLike
Hi, Laura! I’m glad I wasn’t taking a sip of coffee when I read how the docent told you: “Them ain’t boobs– them’s B.T.’s!!” Hmm, sounds like a lotta bull to me… : )
Yes, your husband, the Ancient Rome guy– I’d forgotten about that. He always orders the Caesar Salad at restaurants… : )
I forget where I first encountered herma. Almost certainly on the internet, I’ve never actually seen one. I grew up in Cooperstown, NY, and I can report that there aren’t any herma in the Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. No boobs or B.T.’s, either, as far as I know. Of course, it’s been awhile since I visited… : )
Always a pleasure, and many thanks for your very enjoyable comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I might find sports museums more interesting if they showcased herma.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh. My. Lord… Did you hear my shout of laughter all the way down in Pennsylvania?? That was one of the funniest one-liners ever!!
At the Baseball Hall of Fame, the “Hall” itself is this long narrow high-ceilinged room, heavy on the marble, with all these little alcoves, like side altars at a shrine (which, of course, the HoF is). In the alcoves are these brass plaques mounted on the wall, with a bas-relief likeness of each baseball hero.
I’m going to write to the director and suggest that all the plaques be replaced with herma. I’ll tell him it might boost attendance, at least for a certain demographic… : )
LikeLiked by 1 person