This week I am very busy at Surtex so my good friend Matt Leines has graciously agreed to take time to tell us about some of his favorite books. Matt, by the way, is an incredible artist who I have written about a couple of times here and here. His work has been shown all around the world from Japan to Sweden. He has recently shown at Galleri Loyal and Roberts & Tilton. His work has been featured in all kinds of books and magazines including Live Through This, The Drama, Juxtapoz, and the current issue of Swindle. He has a show opening in London, Ontario on June 8th. And now for his favorite books-

Eric Chase Anderson is the brother of writer/director Wes Anderson. Wes has featured his brother’s art in a mural in Richie’s bedroom in the Royal Tenenbaums as well as all of his Criterion Collection DVD packaging. It was the DVD’s that originally got me interested in Eric Anderson, particularly a beautiful watercolor for the Life Aquatic cover (which also features a conversation between the Brothers Anderson concerning the illustrations). This “novel with maps” reads similarly to his brother’s films and shares a nautical theme. Its a quick, fun read and the dozens and dozens of intricate drawings and diagrams really help to pull you into the story. So while you are anxiously awaiting the next Wes Anderson masterpiece, check out this book by his equally talented sibling.

I’d like to thank Julia for asking me to do this. It was a lot of fun and hopefully someone reading this will enjoy the books I’ve selected. Julia should be busy a lot more often.

Thanks Matt for sharing such interesting stuff. It’s so apparent from your wonderful work why you would like these artists. And I definitely want to be busy more often so we can have plenty of guest bloggers.

© Julia Rothman 2007