Every once in a while you stumble upon a treasure at the bookstore that a zillion people have not already identified. This was my experience when I saw a small hardcover, perched up on a high shelf: Little Red Riding Hood illustrated by Daniel Egnéus. It was the kind of excitement that errupts in your chest as you turn the pages and every illustration is more compelling than the one before it. I just had to have it. As it turns out, the full-blast retail is only $14.99, and we all know, that's less than many magazines these days. The Amazon price is shockingly less, like $9, so if you really need an elegant gift, just do it. The "used" books are even Cheaper. By the way, when I say "Small" I mean 6 3/4" wide by 8 1/2 tall. Not THAT small.
Here's his bio (Below) from the website which is kinda crappy, given this guys superstar status/talent. Of course, he has American Reps. You have to find "Illustrators" then go to Daniel's name. Prepare to swoon. Their website is excellent, featuring LOTS of Killer Pen Slingers. I just wish that there was a little more back story on these people, don't YOU? Okay. Look at his bio. Self Taught?....I'll slap him, then hug him.
Lucid, dreamy and vibrant illustrations reflect the enticing inner world of highly regarded artist, Daniel Egnéus, With no formal trainning except life itself.
Born in 1972 in Sweden, Daniel spent 20 years in Prague, London, Berlin, Bologna and Rome, and has now made Milano his base. A prolific artist, he has had successful collaborations with clients such as Haagen-Dasz (Worldwide campaign 2008) BMW (awarded Best Art Directed campaign in Germany 2008) Pepsi Cola Espagna (limited edition cans and bottle design 2008) Playboy, O2 UK. Marie Clare, Time Magazine, Penguin Books, Phillip Morris, Drambuie Whiskey for which he gained an award in 2004 and Pori Jazz Festival for which he was awarded Best Illustrator in March 2005 by The Association of Illustrators in the UK.
In December of 2009 he was sponsored by Audi at Art Basel Miami where they presented an oversized book featuring his illustrations and he spent five days onsite doing live drawing.
He has published many books including The Hot Dog-Cook Book in France for which he won the Prix Gourmand 2008 for "Best Illustrated Cookbook in France" and he has illustrated several books of poems by Aleksander Puskjin. In 2004 the Italian publishing house Coniglio Editore published his first collection of autobiographical comics.
I think that the photo below is a shot of that "Oversize Book" they refer to. Whoa.:
A few more glimpses into the book. Go ahead, leave the screen door swinging as you run out to your book store.
How'd you like to see HIS sketchbooks?
I think that the combination of type and varying style is SO brilliant.
Like a fashion illustration gone slightly awry. Remember, these are SMALL peeks. The actual illustrations are stunners.
Now the good news: Daniel has a Blog... go see. Oh, and if you happen to see one of those tee shirts that he did for H&M at a garage sale, will you grab it?...thanks.
Just delicious. Thank you for stopping by. Add this little gem to your collection, especially if you love good illustration.
Next up: a BIG dose of Roberto Toledo.
Edit: wanna see more of Daniels work and an awesome Blog entry by my fabulous friend Michelle Ward? go HERE. Swear to God, neither of us knew the other had the book, let alone were composing posts. Donncha just love synchronicity????
JINX!
I posted about this book today too....but not as thoroughly and enthusiastically as you. My friend Nancy sent the book last week and I have been In The Woods eversince. My screen door is not only swinging...it's unhinged.
xoxo
Posted by: michelle ward | March 01, 2011 at 06:50 PM
This book looks beautiful. If you are looking for beautifully illustrated books. Check out Shaun tans books. He is from my home town of perth and he just won an Oscar.
Posted by: Lisa crofts | March 02, 2011 at 06:03 AM
There are some amazing illustrators doing children's books these days. Anytime you're in a bookstore stop by the kids section and do some browsing. Or, better yet, when you're at your local library.
Erin in Morro Bay
Posted by: Erin Perry | March 02, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Oh, whew, you're back. We felt we'd been left to our own devices, trying to discover or determine what is grand in the world around us. Probably no coincidence that you and Michelle both posted about the same book, the same illustrator. Great minds, and all that. xo
Posted by: Marylinn Kelly | March 02, 2011 at 07:19 PM
Daniel deserves double posts...and from two of the best artist/bloggers in the business. Opulent and juicey post, Lisa...Thanks! xox
Posted by: linda warlyn | March 03, 2011 at 12:06 PM
OMG, I just received this from Amazon, per your recommendation. It's absolutely breathtaking! Thank you so much for introducing Daniel to me--what an incredible artist. Back to my book now... ;)
Posted by: Cindy O'Leary | March 05, 2011 at 08:03 AM
Always looking for great eye AND creative candy...
My book shelves have openings...
x..x
Posted by: stephanie | March 07, 2011 at 08:43 PM
Very cool post, Lisa, and yes, even better when you factor in the Michelle Ward synchronicity factor! I'd love, love, love to be able to learn to draw like Daniel! His accomplishments are inspiring and somewhat daunting at the same time, at least for me! Hope all is well in CO... hoping to get out there soon and will give you a shout when I know dates! All my best,
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy McCreedy | March 16, 2011 at 06:46 PM
forgive my writing this here, but i was on my blog and it's easier to send this little note this way. i just saw EXIT for the third time while painting! and I'm telling you, that thing does something to a person's brain! every scene, I'm thinking, oh yeah, this is put-on. oh, no, that couldn't be on purpose! on and on, until i don't know what the hell's going to happen. And yeah, the elephant really makes me more irritated every time.
you have the greatest book/artist/documentary recommendations! please send the contents of your entire home over certified. thank you.
my doggie's in for a surgery. she'll be fine. i blogged about her first accident (another dog went after her during a walk), and she healed form that, and then three months later, wham--it happened again. I haven't blogged about this one, because the photos were too horrifying, but I tell you, that doggie has nine lives. she's in great shape! just has to have her hernia stitched. oddly enough, however, she doesn't beg to go for walks any more.
happy blogging!
C
Posted by: Chris | March 17, 2011 at 01:15 PM
His illustrations are very special. And I could totally get into flipping the pages in that BIG book!
Posted by: Seth | March 26, 2011 at 08:12 PM
yep!
I bought that book
it was love at first sight
still swooning as I savor...
sending spring-ish warm thoughts your way,
xox - eb.
Posted by: eb | April 04, 2011 at 10:16 PM