“What’s important is making the art.” - Ed Hardy
Caught this exhibit of Ed Hardy’s work at the deYoung yesterday.
Had no idea I would love it so much. First of all, what a whimsical beginning! He was enamored of the tattoo scene and started drawing tattoos on his friends using colored pencils and eyeliner.
He studied with some of the best--names which meant little to me but undoubtedly important in the history of tattoo evolution. You can definitely see the influence of Sailor Jerry and Horihide and time spent in Honolulu and Japan.
His artwork is delicious. I’ll not likely ever get a tattoo, but I’d love to have some of his art on my wall.
Below was a study for a tattoo which someone actually has on their back. Ugh! Not my style, but the artwork is amazing.
Here’s a detail of the same.
In 2000, he did a 2000 foot-long scroll on tyvek for the year of the dragon. The whole scroll is on display at the exhibit--fun to walk through. It moves from broad strokes to highly detailed images but every foot demonstrates his intensity and genius.
His is a story of someone who recognized a passion early on, pursued it relentlessly and built his dream. Well done -- so admirable and inspiring!
