Egostrip Book 1

Description

Welcome to Egostrip Book 1, an illustrated escapade through the visions of Dan Lish.

The Egostrip Book project began on Dan’s daily commute to work, where he chose to draw his favourite musicians in little black books. Created in black fibre tip ink pen, straight to paper, while the train rocked back and forth, commuters knocking his elbow (or vice versa). Back in the studio, the illustrations were brought into the computer and digitally coloured, adding texture and details.

There are also black and white sketches and photos with Dan’s anecdotes, process thoughts and tips and histories of the interconnected characters; their alter-egos and worlds created in glorious analogue and digital techniques, plus an introduction to Dan’s life as a DJ, B-Boy and graffiti artist in the UK and New York.

Within the handcrafted lines are layered micro-narratives and ink pen explorations, celebrating Black music and the journey of human creativity.

“Fast slash, cross hatch, slash, cross patch / every word of mine will be verbally sewn tight to match / data that’ll hit you harder than Caterpillar trucks. In the lab, when we collaborate, all matter will erupt.” Pharoahe Monch – Front Line

As an M.C. I was always trying to implement what I learned in the High School Of Art & Design into my music career. In this specific case, it was the specific style of cross-hatching in which we used for shading in my commercial arts class. It only stands to reason that when I first encountered the amazing artwork of Dan Lish that my mind exploded. How ironic that an artist who obviously had a love for the culture would also implement the things I’d come to know in love. Cross-hatching and hip hop. Upon seeing his work, Dan immediately skyrocketed to the top of my all-time favourite artists. From his LP covers to his broad appreciation for the music, Dan Lish is the gold standard. Pharoahe Monch