GEISER 1976 PT.1

by David Geiser

Overview

In 1976, at the age of 28, David Geiser embarked on a transformative journey that would shape his artistic identity. Leaving behind the vibrant and rebellious atmosphere of San Francisco's underground comic scene, he set his sights on France, where he would immerse himself in the world of classical art at the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts. This notebook serves as a vivid chronicle of that pivotal moment, filled with sketches, musings, and reflections that capture both his excitement and trepidation as he ventured into the unknown.

Within its pages, readers will discover a rich tapestry of Geiser's creative process. The notebook is adorned with rough comic illustrations that echo his roots in underground comix, alongside preliminary sketches for future works that hint at his evolving style. Each entry reveals his internal struggles and aspirations as he grapples with the challenge of redefining himself as an artist. The juxtaposition of playful sketches and profound reflections offers a glimpse into his mind-an artist caught between two worlds, yearning for growth while honoring his past.

Ultimately, David Geiser's notebook is more than just a collection of thoughts and drawings; it is a testament to the courage it takes to pursue one's passion. It encapsulates the spirit of reinvention and the relentless pursuit of artistic truth. As readers turn each page, they are invited to witness the birth of an artist who dared to leave familiarity behind in search of inspiration, making this notebook an essential piece for anyone interested in the journey of creativity and self-discovery.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798341836693
Publisher:	Barnes & Noble Press
Publication date:	01/01/2025
Series:	Geisers Journals , #1
Pages:	162
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

David Geiser was an innovative abstract expressionist painter born in Rochester, New York in 1947. After graduating from the University of Vermont, he moved to San Francisco in 1969, where he became deeply involved in the underground comics scene, creating numerous comic titles and working with notable artists like S. Clay Wilson.

In 1976, Geiser's artistic journey took him to Paris, where he studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts for two years before settling in SoHo, New York in 1979. He transitioned from underground comics to abstract expressionism, developing a distinctive artistic style characterized by heavily textured mixed-media works that incorporated materials like shellac, pitch, tar, rope, and scrap wood. Art historian Peter Selz described Geiser's art as "transforming matter into spirit".

Geiser spent his later years in East Hampton with his partner, actress Mercedes Ruehl, and continued creating art until his unexpected death in 2020[. His body of work included underground comics, abstract mixed-media pieces on parchment, and layered oil paintings featuring organic forms. He was a recipient of a Pollock-Krasner Foundation grant and was represented by Butters Gallery in Portland, Oregon.