One of my favorite things to do as the year comes to a close is to get together with my friend, Jeff Smith, to pour over the latest volume of Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art, page by glorious page. A few weeks ago I came home to find a package at my door, Spectrum 22, the sophomore edition with John Fleskes at the helm. Looking at the gorgeous cover by Bastien Lecouffe Deharme, it was difficult to set it aside and not sneak a peek. Yet I persevered, resisting the book’s siren call, so that we could experience it together today.
It was well worth the wait. I’ve seen improvements in Spectrum each year. John Fleskes put his own personal touches on the book last year, and he improved upon those in his second year, giving fans of fantastic art a book with tremendous variety while remaining consistent in presenting the very best that the world of Fantastic Art has to offer.
If you don’t own a copy, make sure you get this one on your Christmas list.
(Rooftop, by Scott Gustafson)
One of the many pleasures in perusing Spectrum 22 is the fact that we were present at the Spectrum 22 Awards Ceremony at Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 4 earlier this year, and were able to witness the award presentations in person, including the announcement of the Grand Master, Scott Gustafson.
Each winner has a really nice feature in the book, and it was great to be taken back to late May while reading about Scott’s win. He and his wife Patty were such a delightful couple and I will always cherish the memory of meeting them and of watching Scott’s win.
(Survey of Daraxos, Eric Lloyd Brown, Concept Art category)
A Spectrum volume not only showcases traditional and digital illustrations, and sculptures, with subject matter that even the more casual observer would identify as “science fiction” or “fantasy”, but also a variety of pieces that continue to broaden the spectrum, pun intended, of what fantasy, science fiction, and horror mean.
(The Circle, by Jensine Eckwall, Editorial category, award nominee)
There are eight different categories featured in Spectrum 22: Advertising, Book, Comic, Concept Art, Dimensional, Editorial, Institutional, and Unpublished. Every year I find new pieces by long-time favorites that somehow escaped me during the previous year–which is especially disconcerting in the Book category, given how much time I spend in bookstores–and I discover new-to-me artists whose work reignites my passion for fantastic art.
(The Child Sleeps, by Jessica Shirley, Institutional category, award nominee)
It is that adventure of discovery that makes each volume of Spectrum such a treasure. Each piece that ends up in the book does so because of a judging committee that votes anonymously, and then discusses those pieces that end up on the short list for award nominations. Thus one’s favorites are not guaranteed to have a presence in the current volume, and there is an assurance that new artists will be found that will be added to the favorites list.
(Shallow Waters, by Erika Taguchi-Newton, Unpublished category)
Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art has always been a beautiful, high-quality art book. As reproduction technology continues to improve, so does the quality. This is a luscious, visual feast for the eyes and the imagination. If you are like me, the first pass through the book will not only lead to subsequent views, but it will also lead you to the internet to search out more of an artist’s work, as well as the books, etc. that feature these works. I’ve discovered a number of books and comics over the years because of something eye-catching in Spectrum.
(Night Patrol, by Gregory Manchess, Unpublished category)
Congratulations to John Fleskes for another stunning book. Congratulations to all of the artists whose work is featured in Spectrum 22. You are obviously all deserving, because the art is spectacular.
Thank you to Jeff Smith for continuing our tradition, and doing so on my birthday weekend this year. It made the annual event extra special to me. I enjoy creating these memories.
Allow me to close by encouraging you to get your own copy of Spectrum 22. It will bring you pleasure for years to come. And be sure to click on the links of the artists I featured in this review. You will not be disappointed.
Carl – I too had a blast going through Spectrum 22 with you as well.
We find that the two of us together help each the other “see” different aspects of individual works that we might miss on our own. I would encourage others to get together and go though their Spectrum volumes together. You will be surprised how different sets of eyes see things you miss or just give you a different perspective that can change how you see a piece. It’s a really fun experience. What better way to share your love of fantastic art than with a friend.
I have enjoyed every volume of Spectrum and I have to say I feel this is one of the strongest volumes yet. Tons of new voices intermingled with the best of the field. I can’t wait to start visiting numerous artists websites to view and purchase more of their work.
While Cathy and Arnie Fenner set the standard of excellence for Spectrum John Fleskes has honored their vision while still managing to put his own twist on the annual. The addition of artists profiles, photos, quotes, and commentary Draws the “reader” into the artist community that the Cathy, Arnie, and John have all worked to strengthen among the artists, clients, and fans of the fantastic arts community.
Now the countdown begins to Spectrum 23. I know it can’t get here soon enough for me.
Yes, it does add so much to it bouncing off comments with another person while viewing. You noticed several things this time that I might have missed. If it wasn’t so cost-prohibitive, I wish every page was a full-page image so that we could see all the details of each work.
I’m so glad that Arnie and Cathy were inspired to start this 22 years ago. It has been such an important, vital part of the fantastic arts community.
I’m a big fan of the SPECTRUM series! I’m sure Santa will leave a copy under my tree next month! Next Sunday the Buffalo Bills will be playing the Kansas City Chiefs. A Playoff berth might be at stake!
Should be an interesting game. Hard to believe the Chiefs are still mathematically in the mix, given all their losses, but that is the way the season seems to be going in some divisions.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy this gift come Christmas.
So nice to see that the work was even more diverse this year. Onward and upward. Thanks for the review Carl.
It was, Bill. Jeff and I were talking about that when we turned that final page. It felt like there was so much variety, while also having several entries by great folks like yourself.