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Thomas Canty is one of the most accomplished book artists in the field of fantasy literature. His distinctive "New Romantic" painting style is influenced by nineteenth century artists such as Mucha, Klimdt, and the Pre-Raphaelites, updating this Romantic imagery for a contemporary audience. His art is grounded in his passion for world mythology, folklore, and fairy tales; and in the works and philosophy of the nineteenth century Arts & Crafts movement. Tom has been involved in all phases of the book arts field for over twenty years—from illustration to design to art directing, for publishers big and small, in New York and elsewhere. His art has graced the covers of novels by the leading writers of fantasy literature, including John Crowley, Jonathan Carroll, Robert Holdstock, Jane Yolen, Ellen Kushner, Peter Straub, and Stephen King. He has also participated in the creation of many book projects, such as the "Fairy Tales" series of novels (with Terri Windling); and his work is featured annually on the Year's Best Fantasy and Horror volumes. Tom has received two World Fantasy Awards (among other honors) for his extensive contributions to the fantasy field, and his art has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the U.S. and abroad. Tom’s work is represented by Duirwaigh Gallery. |
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"I despair when writers or art directors want me to illustrate some particular scene—it seems to me that it is the writer's job to paint imagery in the reader's mind. As the artist/designer, it's not my job to tell, or re-tell the story. It's to attract the reader and then, once the book is in their hands, to put them in the mood for a story—receptive, open to magic and Romanticism. Which is why I always turn to the past for inspiration—to those past masters of magic and Romanticism: Waterhouse, Whistler, Morris, Burne-Jones, Mucha, Klimdt, and all the rest. Not to copy them. But I look at their pictures, or hear certain kinds of old folk music, or read certain kinds of old folk tales, and they all inspire a certain mood. Then I take up my pencil and I try to work from that mood, and to create something that might, perhaps, someday, evoke that same mood in a person who picks up a book. Then, in that mood, they're ready to hear a story and my job has ended and the writer's work begins." | |
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— Thomas Canty | |
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