Book By Its Cover » Sketchbook Series: Austin English

This is bad art. This whole article was an effort to intellectualize away the fact the illustrations were in fact, bad. They’re hard to read, poorly drawn (and not intentionally drawn that way, but just the mark of someone who doesn’t know how to draw) and perhaps most importantly, they’re not entertaining. This is not “high art”–it is a gimmick that is trendy amongst the “indie” scene. There is no synthesis here that blends deconstructionism and talent.

If you think that this art work is bad or if you see similar art that is equally as repugnant, do not be afraid to speak your mind and say so out loud. You’re not missing the big picture.

If your interested in sketchbooks check out PAPERBOUND.TUMBLR.COM. It’s a place were anyone can share pages from their sketchbooks! Everyone is welcome to submit! Send pictures to KIMIHANAUER@YAHOO.COM.

In response to MILTY:
The definition of art goes way beyond just “good” or “bad”, in fact those terms don’t even exist when discussing work. Interesting artwork often has qualities that go much beyond just their visual qualities; things such as concept, reasoning and motivation.

Your motivation for making art may be very different than Austin English’s. You say “They’re hard to read, poorly drawn.. they’re not entertaining.” Have you ever considered that Austin was not making art to please or entertain you but instead was making it as a means of personal expression or a release? Or maybe to communicate feelings, stories, personal experiences and more- ones that can only be expressed in this very manner (what you consider bad art). This is Austin’s personal perspective and so it can only be communicated in his personal way. Did you consider that maybe the qualities you feel are “bad” are actually the most communicative aspects of his work? And isn’t a big aspect of art in general an expression of perspectives or of different voices?

It’s this type of closed minded attitude that attacked many incredible artists in their time; artists that are now worshipped and considered masters by the mainstream art world.