Monday entry (for 10/12/09): Artist of interest: Mark Ryden

Mark Ryden, born January 20, 1963 in Medford, Oregon, is an American painter. Ryden graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California in 1987, where he majored in illustration. His style is considered lowbrow surrealism and is best known not only for his striking imagery but also for the traditional painting technique that he utilizes. His success is owed to such lowbrow art publications such as Juxtapoz magazine, for publishing his work frequently. He's designed album covers for musicians such as Michael Jackson, Ringo Starr, Red Hot Chili Peppers, amongst others. Themes that are often depicted in Ryden's work are meat, children, Abraham Lincoln, bunnies and alchemy symbols.

Mark Ryden's official website.

Interview with Mark Ryden, conducted by Art Space Talk blog.

Mark Ryden just recently had his "The Snow Yak Show" held at the Tomio Koyama Gallery in Toyko, Japan this year.