Each week, we’ll be posting a brand new illustration by David Lester. The Mecca Regular guitarist is visually documenting individuals, locations and occasions from his band’s 42-year run, with textual content by vocalist Jean Smith.
From the lyrics: “The film set was once a lake till a dynamited paddle-wheeler splintered throughout it, paralyzing a stuntman.” This may very well be interpreted as: Latest unchecked antics from the brand new administration negatively influence many aspects of society, some somewhat unexpectedly.
I really like the best way David’s drawing seems, at first look, to be easy sufficient till realizing the ability dynamic exhibited. The fashion and intention additionally really feel like an invite to aspiring political artists. Hey, you don’t have to spell every thing out. Belief your viewers to interpret a considerably nuanced narrative.
I feel it additionally reveals what being an artist for 50 years seems like as he continues to drag from historical past and all features of tradition to evolve his distinctive visible language. Heartening that his distinctive heights aren’t represented in realism, however in a rudimentary line drawing the place the stakes are excessive and keenly articulated.
“Drive At” from The Eagle And The Poodle (Matador, 1996) (obtain):
