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G'day,
My name is Tony Kemp.
I live in Perth, Western Australia, and have a theological background.
This is an invitation to all artists of varying genres to offer their artwork for the following book:
Creation and the Garden of Eden :
images & perspectives
The above book examines the various views of Creation and Eden - but in an honest way which shows how these views have effected society. Often the book is light-hearted, humorous, comical, and even erotic. Yet above all it is an art book . . . and my philosophy is that ALL art is ART !!!
This site contains a number of galleries of art showing the depth and range of the artistry within the book, in order to encourage YOU to offer your art for the book.
I am very happy to receive all types of art . . . yet I would like to highlight
some deficiencies in the book at this point . . . I really need more :
Sculptures Cartoons Fantasy Art Ink/tatoo Art
Art of Creation Art of Lilith
If you would like to offer your art to the book, please feel free to contact me:
t_dkemp_hotmail.com
For the art on the front, Special thanks go to Greg Hildebrandt and
Jean L. Scrocco for all their kind support and assistance!
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The original website for the book was:
http://creationbook.synthasite.com/
Delicia Bellamont - who has been helping me fine-tune the book proposal - suggested creating a book-like website . . . and so this is the result!
I should add that I have no intentions of creating an "e-book" . . . instead, this website is simply to give an idea to both artists, and the potential publisher, of my vision for the book!
Naturally, there are some aspects of this website which will be different from the actual published book . . .
The website only has a small fraction of the total art, and is arranged differently to the book.
The Book is envisioned to be a large, landscape, coffee table Art Book.
Yet, as you go through this site and view the wonderful art within, perhaps you too will get a glimpse of my vision . . . and incredible book about creation and eden, filled with beautiful, lucious, and gorgeous art . . . Enjoy!!!
Please note that all the art on this site is owned by the artists who created the art - please respect the artist's rights - if you like their art and would like to see/buy their other artworks, please click onto the links . . . thank you!
WARNING
Please be advised that the art on this site does contain nudity -
please proceed only if you are 18+
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SYNOPSIS
This book is designed to be a coffee table Art book in which the stories of Creation and Eden (ancient in origin) are brought to life through contemporary art. Over 100 artists, using mediums of canvas, digital, photography, body art, wood, stone, glass, tattoo, and cartoon, bring their own unique spin to these age-old narratives art which is beautiful, inspiring, erotic, humorous, and even contentious. All this wonderful art is brought together in one beautiful Art book making it, arguably, the best compilation of contemporary art featuring Eve & Adam!
The stories of Creation and Eden, as found in the Book of Genesis, were in the past simply part of the domain of Judaism and Christianity. Yet these narratives evolved over time, and have become part of the fabric of Western psyche. Thus, like their art, the artists themselves reflect a variety of backgrounds some are religious, but others are agnostics, irreligious, and atheists.
The art, in this book, is intentionally linked to various historical views, and show how each perspective has effected society.
For instance, the Conservative approach, in which Genesis is seen as literal, has encouraged the idea of the beauty and wonder of creation. Yet, it has also endorsed the female as the weaker sex, given support to a 'patriarchal' centred society, and has been the 'evidence' against gay relationships.
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On the other hand, a Progressive reading of Genesis views the text as simply a mythological story on par with other Mesopotamian creation myths. Thus Progressives (also called Liberals and Minimalists) seek to validify the equality of the sexes, and show a far greater inclusivity to those whom traditional Judaism and Christianity have rejected. The progressive view also examines the idea of the femininity of God and how such theology has effected society for the better.
Issues which are central to human existence, but that are regarded by some as taboo, are also gently explored in the artwork included in this book. I believe that the key to peace is communication, and I hope that this book would be an important part of the process in encouraging people to talk about ideas in an environment of peace and goodwill: a sign of a mature, adult, society.
This book is a true Art book, with enough text throughout the book to ensure the reader can consider a variety of perspectives - serious, humorous, simplistic and occasionally even academic, evaluating and enjoying the artwork. In a very real sense, the art within this book represents the full gamut of human emotions from serious to comical in this way this Art book is a reflection of humanity itself!
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THE PREFACE
Creation and the Garden of Eden : images & perspectives has been developed from one main idea : that ALL art IS art.
Generally speaking, art of different genres are infrequently placed together . . . after all, what commonality is there between sculpture and cartoons; bodyart and quilting; tatoos and creative writing; photography and drawing; medieval painting and contemporary clothing designs? Rarely do so many differing mediums of art co-exist in one place. Yet, in Creation and the Garden of Eden : images & perspectives I have tried to bring all these various art forms together.
I could speak about this 'inclusiveness' of art from a theological perspective, but I think I would prefer to link my philosophy with a connection to pop culture - specifically that of Star Trek.
While not a compulsive Trekky - I don't go to Star Trek conventions or dress up as my favorite character or species - I am, none-the-less, a Star Trek fan. One of the aspects I really like about the Star Trek universe is that it starts with the premise that the Earth has entered a new phase where humanity has - as a species - embraced equality. Racism, the divides of religion, and sexism no longer exist, and the evils of society - poverty and greed have been, by and large, replaced with more positive qualities. In this era of peace, humanity - through the Enterprise - reaches out to the stars in the spirit of exploration and the desire to embrace other worlds and species.
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However, even in this futuristic world, hatred and violence still exist. This is most evident in the movie
Star Trek VI : The Undiscovered Country
, where - once again - James T. Kirk's "speicism" is shown; where his hatred for the Klingons is manifest. Kirk's hatred and prejudice is finally undone, when he realizes that The Undiscovered Country is the place of self-sacrifice, acceptance and equality. The place where two opposite and warring parties drop weapons, prejudice and fear, and embrace each other.
Star Trek is fiction . . . the late Gene Roddenberry's idealized vision of humanity's future. Yet, in much the same way, our present day world seeks its own undiscovered country. The artistic community is often one of the forces that attempt to stretch and challenge society's laws and prejudices, and push the boundaries of societal acceptance. Thus, it seems clear that if the peoples of this world will embrace each other, that such a development must be preceeded by artists accepting each other. Therefore, Creation and the Garden of Eden : images & perspectives is an attempt to bring all art and artists together under one umbrella.
I am continually amazed by those artist who have participated . . . the artists who welcomed the opportunity - and me - with opened arms. I hope that, in some small way, this book may serve as a beacon of light proclaiming that if artists can embrace and accept differing and contrasting art, then so can all peoples embrace each other!
Peace
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SPECIAL THANKS
I am incredibly indebted to every artist who is associated wtih this book, but Special Thanks go to a number of artists who have been of wonderful support to me :
Natasha Hataiiia
, for being the first artist to allow me to utilise Natasha's site for the purpose of advertising the book to other artists.
Furthermore,
Natasha Hataiiia
,
Jeff Neugenbauer
, and
Philip Hallawell
have allowed their art to be part of the book's proposal to potential publishers.
I would also like to thank
Delicia Bellamont
for kindly assisting me with various editing issues in regard to the book and its proposal.
Thank you again.
Tony Kemp
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BENEFITS FOR ARTISTS
This book is not just about the art, but also about the artists . . . so I have tried, where possible, to set up a page of information (name, photograph, info, inspiration) with the book, which will preceed the artist's work!
Also, at the rear of the book will be an index of the art and artists, with additional information, so that readers will be directed to places and sites where they can buy further artistic work from the artists.
In the above two ways, this book would be a vehicle to advertise an artist's creative work.
FINANCIAL COMPENSATION FOR ARTISTS
The issue of financial remuneration is an important one. It is certainly my intention that all artists receive some financial benefit from the book. Thus I will be approaching prospective publishers with this intention in mind!.
It is important, though, to note that this book is a little complicated:
There are over 100 artistst involved - all contemporary artists with fame varying from the unknown to the highly celebrated.
Some artists have supplied only one piece of art, while others have given over 20 art works.
Other artists have written roles/contributions/reflections.
Special care must also be given to artists who have gone out of their way to created unique art specifically for the book.
Some artists are involved via a combination of the above!
All these above points must be taken into consideration in determining what level of royalties or payments that each artist receives. Such determination will be the responsibility of the publisher, although I am sure that each artist will certainly be welcome to enter into negotiations with the publisher!
As for the publisher, I am hoping to secure a publisher sometime in 2009, so questions regarding definitions, printing, distribution, and remuneration to artists are all questions I am unable to answer at present.
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Sponsorship
Naturally an Art Book with so much art by so many contemporary artists would not be cheap to publish . . . therefore I hope to secure either one major sponsor, or a number of small sponsors who would be able offer a large number of artists some form of financial compensation, or -alternatively - to help the publisher in the printing of the book, in which case a greater part of the book's profit could then go to the artists.
COMMISSIONS
It is also my intention that there be some avenue of commission for each artist.
Generally a book is sold via one place on the internet and at a variety of book shop chains - the distribution is, of course, the role of the publisher to organise.
However, I hope that the book will be able to make full use of the internet : the majority of artists in the book are contemporary artists with at least one website, and in some cases, even up to five websites! It makes sense that the publisher should utilise this to its full potential.It is what I call "Internet Saturation" - Each artist could choose to advertise the book, helping the on-line sales of the book, while in return, the publisher would give each artist a commision for their role in selling the book!!!
Of course, not all artists would want to be involved in this, but it is open to all who choose to do so! While it does gain for the book a far greater presense in advertising, it also gives the opportunity to many struggling artists to gain an extra form of income!
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One possible way that artists could advertise the book is by banners. These banners would have a link to the publishers's website - the publisher would keep a record of how many books are sold via an artist's site, and would credit that artist's bank account with the appropriate commission for the books sold.
Sandra Yagi has most generously allowed me to use her art to show an example of how artists can create their own banners :
Creation and the Garden of Eden :
Images & perspectives
featuring the art of
SANDRA YAGI
CLICK
HERE
TO BUY
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THE ART
"Creation and the Garden of Eden : images & perspectives" some wonderful art of creation including art dealing with the creation from various mythologies and other artistic pieces from the artist's own imagination.
The book also has art dealing with subjects specifically related to the Genesis narrative - Creation of the world ; creation of Eve & Adam; Eden as a Paradise; the forbidden fruit and temptation; and the casting out of Eden.
PLEASE NOTE : one of the principles of the book is that all art IS art . . . that does not mean that every one will like every art piece, but that as mature adults, we can look at art that we dislike, and still have a conversation about it.
The Art in the book does span a broad spectrum of art, as can be seen in the pages following. While the subjects may be traditional, the art is certainly not . . . some are humorous, comical, and even politically incorrect, while other art takes itself a bit more seriously. Together, however, they are wonderful examples of individual thoughts, ideas and artistry that make for fascinating viewing!!!
Page 22
"Adam" and "Eve"
Artist & Copyright : Fabio D'Aroma
For more info, please contact :
Collection Privee
(USA) 786 371 7600
Page 25
"Adam and Eve"
Artist & Copyright : Farshad Sanaee
http://www.farshadsanaee.com/
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Bérengère Sudmann
In the book, Bérengère will have her own chapter, with her views of Eve interwoven with many wonderful art pieces. So, as a bit of an introduction to Bérengère, the below is Bérengère's text regarding the art opposite:
Eve again! Shes my heroine!
Joan of Ark is just about nothing in comparison with a woman who has been presented to the world as Evil and weakness incarnated. What a burden the Catholics put on our (female-ish) shoulders: born as a woman, you cant resist, and not resisting is bad. Youre weak and follow the wrong path. Why? no other reason given than well, youre a woman! When I was a little one (raised as a catholic), I couldnt understand why I had to feel bad for being a woman, why Eve was such a negative character.
Now I believe its been a stupid question of manipulation or something like that. But hey, that hurts! Eve is my model for not resisting. For listening to her own desires.
Eve is represented here as a sacred symbol, the way Mary is presented usually. But she wont be surrounded by chubby angels, the angels have been fooled by their God, being asked to resist. Wasting their life, their body turning to skeletons for lack of real *food*. Eve will stand there to feed them. But I never said Eve was a saint, her apples might be poisonous too, or not. Oh by the way, if the apple pie does not look like a pie (obviously not ;-), its just that Eve is everything but a good cook. Why should she be anyway!
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Other Artistic Themes
Other subjects - expressed through art - include captivity and oppression, violence and pollution, evolution and nature, feminism and the goddess. There is also the important issue of nudity and sexuality, where modern art and social practices are compared to ancient art and customs. The topic of relationships is also a addressed through art!
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Temptation
Some of the amazing, wonderful, and artistic creations concerning the temptation and its aftermath . . .
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"Eden 2"
Artist & Copyright : Sandra Yagi
http://web.mac.com/sandyyagi/iWeb/Site/Paintings.html
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