"If it hadn't been for you guys, I might not be here..." On November 14, 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges walked by a mob surrounding William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, becoming the first African-American child to integrate a white elementary school in the South. [more inside]
posted by longdaysjourney on Aug 25, 2011 - 16 comments

Experience the art of Jerry Pinkney [Artists webpage], a master of the American picturebook whose unforgettable visual narratives reflect deeply felt personal and cultural themes, bearing witness to the African-American experience, the wonders of classic literature, and the wisdom in well-loved folk tales. A belief in the ability of images to speak about and to humanity is at this legendary artist’s core. His artworks celebrating life’s small but extraordinary moments and significant historical events reflect the power of visual storytelling in our lives, “becoming the voice that others may not have had.” His commissioned work, and illustrations are an incredible body of work, but also don't miss his independent creations either. [more inside]
posted by infinite intimation on Feb 6, 2011 - 2 comments

A Star Wars/Calvin & Hobbes mashup t-shirt has gotten a lot of buzz, but the 'relentlessly cheerful' James Hance did it first (and it went semi-viral just a few days earlier). But Calvin and Hobbes have gotten 'mashed-up' before... a lot.
« Cthulhu and Hobbes.
« Batmin and Robbes.
« Fight Club (spoiler) illustrated and in text (previously).
« The controversial (for here) Calvin and Jobs.
« Calvin Rockwell
« Kraven the Hunter from Ryan Dunleavy's mashup collection (previously).
« Buddy Cops (incorrectly labeled as P.I.s).
« Semi-related: C&H meet Christopher Robin & Pooh, Hobbes Meets Tony and Role Reversal.
« And, of course, Calvin and Hobbes. [more inside]
posted by oneswellfoop on Aug 21, 2010 - 27 comments

Norman Rockwell's research photos. Norman Rockwell commissioned photos (which he meticulously directed) and then painted those photos. Here are some of them.
posted by grumblebee on Dec 7, 2009 - 91 comments

Today's Inspiration is a blog "for those with an interest in illustration from the 40's and 50's to share their knowledge, views and opinions." This week it is featuring a guest blogger analyzing Norman Rockwell's illustrations for Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. This blog can always be counted on to inform you about illustrators and cartoonists you've likely never heard of. Also advertising icons and my favorite: Smokes for Mom! It's all on Flickr too. [more inside]
posted by marxchivist on Jul 9, 2009 - 12 comments

Innocence is constructed by disavowing things that are right in front of your face. Richard Halpern, professor of English at Johns Hopkins University, published a different take on Norman Rockwell's art in Norman Rockwell: The Underside of Innocence. He looks below the idyllic surface of nostalgic Americana and sees unwitting voyeurism and blurred boundaries "between asexual friendship and Eros". Naturally, many Rockwell fans don't want to hear this about their beloved painter of innocence: an article about this book in the Boston Globe drew quite a few scathing comments. (BugMeNot logins for the Boston Globe website)
posted by Quietgal on Apr 15, 2007 - 105 comments