Edward Gorey, Master of Mystery

"I just kind of conjured them up out of my subconscious and put them in order of ascending peculiarity."

~ Edward Gorey

Today, it is my personal pleasure to share with you an artist and writer who inspires me. Edward Gorey's books and illustrations are thought provoking and filled with mystery. I was introduced to his work by a friend who gave me a copy of The Gashlycrumb Tinies.

Edward Gorey's stories are like a macabre martini with a twist of peculiar. His lines are, oh so detailed, and they capture the essence of a scene in a most unique way. 

I've visited the Edward Gorey House, and I was delighted by what I found amidst his collection of extraordinary, and ordinary, things. Peculiarities indeed!

Edward Gorey was a fascinating person who enjoyed exploring his imagination. 

I very much appreciate the care and time he put into his illustrations and books. 

He was undoubtably a perfectionist.

His love for Balanchine's choreography in the New York City Ballet is legendary. It would have been amazing to see him there—and possible, as he attended every show.

Edward Gorey has been a great influence on my drawing and writing craft. I feel excited when something pops into a picture unexpectedly, and a new idea is born.

"When people are finding meaning in things, beware."

~ Edward Gorey

To learn more about Edward Gorey, visit the Edward Gorey House in Cape Cod. It's an experience you won't soon forget!

Edward Gorey, 1925-2000

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Here is a "Goreyesque" attempt at a short story. I didn't have time to finish this project for the post, as the idea came about on Sunday when Stephanie and I decided the theme this week was Edward Gorey. I will finish it at some point, as I absolutely adore illustrating short story lines like these. It will take a long time to complete the sketches (I had big aspirations of getting it done by Friday, but that was a ridiculous goal). I did listen to Igor Stravinsky and watch Agon performed to Balanchine's choreography by the New York City Ballet to channel inspiration. I can understand why Edward Gorey enjoyed it. The performance is methodical and mesmerizing, like his art. 

The Lingering Lull
By Jessica Haight

Abby sat with naught to do.

Becket tied up his shoe.

Caitlin flipped through a book.

Dedalus was afraid to look.

Enon waited for the call.

Fran crept lightly down the hall.

Goodwin raced toward the door.

Hadley knew she wanted more.

Icarus swatted at a fly.

Jessica sneaked in like a spy.

Kathryn shouted, “Zip it up!”

          Lori sipped from a cup.

                           Maureen tutted at the show.

                                      Ned decided where to go.

                                              Olive made a big mistake.

                                                       Paul cut out a slice of cake.

                                 Quentin couldn’t find the word.

                                        Rachel wasn’t seen nor heard.

                            Stephanie twiddled two bored thumbs.

                                       Tony swept up breadcrumbs.

                Ursula sneezed from a cold.

                         Victor hated being old.

       Winnie chased off a cat.

                Xena fell over flat.

Yori stood to get a drink.

        Zack didn’t wish to think.

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Check out Edward Gorey's Books