Spotlight on John Fesken

Every year at Oktoberfest, I support Robert Walker, one of my favorite artists of all time. His use of color and his ability to perfectly capture the human figure and condition while inserting his own magic and whim is out of this world. Take a look at his work "Painting the Roses Red":
This year, I found another artist who deserves a spotlight and support! His name is John Fesken. His game? Paintings and shadow boxes. But not your ordinary paintings and shadow boxes.

Each one of his works tells a story as dark and tragic as a broken heart. Think Poe + Alkaline Trio + Neil Gaiman. Add a few drops of Bukoswski and Grant Wood, a pinch of Adam Gormley, essence of The Dark Crystal, and a smidge of Wuthering Heights. There you have the emotions and the stories Fesken's work recalls. In capturing the excitement of the darkness, the hopelessness, and the death, one's heartbeat quickens. Fesken's world will suck you right in. You will feel the eyes watching you, the gaunt families clutching each other, the dying imploding, and the dead coming back to life.

Ah, but enough of my ranting. I'll let his work speak for itself.

(photo courtesy of Mark Townsend)