Draw Me Some Dinosaurs
Oh hi everybody,
My new solo show “No Bones About It” premieres at the NYC Fringe Festival in early April. As part of the multi-media experience, I’ve sought the artistic input of talented folks to draw me dinosaurs of various shapes and sizes. Below I go over some of my favorites, but I’d love it if YOU were to draw a dinosaur and send it to me to include in my show.
Above the talented Dana Whissen provided me a burgundy dilophosaurus with the show’s title. What I love about this depiction is the joy in the face of the dilophosaurus and how it feels like it knows how much I appreciate it. The dinosaur encapsulates the youthful joy I feel at the start of the show and I have another positively patriotic version. Love what Dana did here.
Longtime collaborator and artist Christina Cole sketched this stegosaurus after making a beautiful poster for the show. This chunky spikey gentle dino waddles along to a destination unknown. Its small cute face leads to a rotund and stately body. Plus, the “evolve” in the spikes is a nice reference to one of the themes of the show. I’m so glad I get to showcase this work in the show as everything Christina makes is a joy in my heart.
Next, we have Cody Lee Walker’s spinosaurus. This aquamarine specimen evokes the reptilian cousins of the dinosaurs. While this absolute unit seems like it would be more suited for floating than underwater hunting, it seems resolute. An interesting thing that I discuss in the show is how we really don’t know much about what dinosaurs looked like. We’re basing so much on the bone structure rather than full articulations of fat, muscle, and skin. I choose to believe that this wonderful work is how each spinosaurus looked like all those millions of years ago. The world would have been happier for it.
Finally, we have this work by the beloved Eric Richardson. This was the first commissioned work I received back, and with it, I got something that put the whole show into focus. No not the fantastic butt depiction (though that is top-notch) but the idea of how we see ourselves in relation to the people or things we want to be. We can evolve even if that means turning into a bit of a pterodactyl. I can’t thank Eric enough for sharing this art and for his continued friendship over the years.
If these works inspired you, please feel free to contribute! I’d love to showcase dinosaur art from dozens of artists in the show. Plus, I’ve set up a Redbubble with all the art, and if you’re interested you can get the above works. Any proceeds go to the artists (happy to include you too if you submit).
Other Items of Note:
March is my birthday month and I’ve decided on my birthday plans. I want everyone to go to a museum and tell me about their favorite thing they saw while there. Please RSVP here.
Shows:
My Birthday at The Whitney - March 30
How Was It Storytelling - April 4
“No Bones About It." April 7, 8, 17, and 20th. New York City Fringe Festival at Under Saint Marks ”
How Was It Storytelling - April 20
April 23 - Leap of Faith at Brooklyn Comedy Collective (more details coming soon)
Mattsplaining:
This past week on Mattsplaining, I spoke with Katrina McGee about sabbaticals and taking a break from work.
On Monday, March 25, I speak with Jack Simon Grey about chairs.
I appreciate you and your reading of this set of words very much. Thank you.
Respectfully yours,
Matthew Storrs