Dark Impressions : The Art of Philip Hitchcock [Hardcover]

Philip Hitchcock (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 31, 2000

New from Ellis Publications is the first book of images from artist/ sculptor Philip Hitchcock, entitled “Dark Impressions, The Art of Philip Hitchcock.” The book features nearly one hundred photographs of Hitchcock’s amazing lifecast sculptures, including several illuminated works, and an illustrated “how to” sequence written by the artist. The book is a Case Bound 9” x 12” limited edition with 80 pages in full color and retails for $40.00.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I have been impressed with Mr. Hitchcock’s sculptures, both for their aesthetic merit and for the technical ability they display. -- Dr. David B. Dearinger, the chief curator of New York City’s National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts

I strongly suspect Hitchcock will prove a major talent as he is already a unique one. -- William Gerdts, Professor of Art HistoryThe City University of New York

About the Author

Philip Hitchcock is a multi-faceted artist and sculptor proficient in a variety of techniques and materials. He is based in Venice, California. Though his extensive skills and technical knowledge are a valued resource for other artists, designers, and manufacturers, he is known primarily for his innovative castings taken from life. The artist says of his work: “I am a cultural journalist. My tools, however, are not those of the writer or the photographer but rather those of the sculptor. Experiences and impressions filter through me and become part of my emotional diary. Each sculpture is an entry in that diary and a reflection of my immediate and extended community.”

The artist was the recipient of the prestigious Broadcast Design Award for a 250-piece limited edition sculpture commissioned by MGM/ UA Domestic Television in 1997. The sculptures, which incorporated a working TV, promoted the hit series, “THE OUTER LIMITS,” and were distributed to station affiliates across the nation. Private commissions include a commemorative bronze relief, sculpted in the likeness of humanitarian S. Mark Taper, and extensive sculpted lighting design for BARBIE BENTON. He has hand-crafted the unique statuettes for the THEATRE L A OVATION AWARDS since their inception and designed the IGGY AWARD, presented to ARMISTEAD MAUPIN on behalf of the International Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC.

Some of Hitchcock’s extensive work in television can be seen daily on the set of CBS’s daytime hit “THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL.” He has been featured on E! ENTERTAINMENT’S GOSSIP SHOW, as well as KTLA EYEWITNESS NEWS. Hitchcock was featured on TV GUIDE TELEVISION in Canada and on LIEBE SUNDE on Germany’s Pro Sieben network. His work appears in such films as “SOAP DISH,” “SHATTERED,” “FEMME FATALE,” and “NEMESIS,” and can be seen in the TEARS FOR FEARS video “ELEMENTAL.” His work was used on HBO’s “RADIO SEX TV” and made “PLAYBOY’S NAUGHTY HOME VIDEOS” even naughtier! Numerous publications have showcased Hitchcock’s work, including TIME MAGAZINE, THE NEW YORK TIMES, LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE, L.A. STYLE, THE OUTLOOK, PLAYGIRL, and BACKSTAGE WEST. His covers include several for EDGE, NIGHTLIFE, and FRONTIERS MAGAZINE. A reviewer from The Long Beach PRESS TELEGRAM wrote:

“Emulating prurient aspects of Gothic sexuality, these torsos are skillfully executed replicas of the male anatomy that evoke the same smoldering eroticism found in Harlequin novels.”

A Magna Cum Laude graduate of UCLA, Hitchcock has client bases in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, Aspen, Canada, Italy, France and Hong Kong. His design skills have been utilized commercially by DELTA AIRLINES, SOLOMON BROTHERS INC., DEKTER MANNEQUIN, Disney’S TOMORROWLAND and SCENARIO DESIGNS.

Involved in community services, the artist has donated “commissions for auction” to charities such as THE CENTER FOR THE PARTIALLY SIGHTED and THE LOS ANGELES FREE CLINIC. His curated work has also been auctioned for fundraisers to benefit THE LOS ANGELES THEATER CENTER, GLAAD/ LA, OUT AUCTION, benefiting the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center, ANGEL ART and DIVINE DESIGN, benefiting PROJECT ANGEL FOOD, ART WITH A HEART for HOMESTEAD HOSPICE, and AALA. He has exhibited and curated for HIGHWAY’S PERFORMANCE AND ART SPACE and currently serves on its board of directors.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Ellis Publications (July 31, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970084323
• ISBN-13: 978-0970084323
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #902,251 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Lifelike Sculptures!, October 16, 2000

By 

Joseph J. Hanssen "Joe" (Upstate New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dark Impressions : The Art of Philip Hitchcock (Hardcover)

This was my first exposure to Philip Hitchcock's sculptures, and I was impressed. They are so lifelike you feel you are looking at real male models or photographs of live models. What a talented, brilliant sculptor.

This book is a work of art in itself. Anyone interested in the human form, especially male models will find this book fascinating. The color reproductions are excellent. Ellis Productions did a wonderful job in designing this book. Dark Impressions is very erotic, sometimes disturbing, shown with sculptures (models) that are in restraints, hardware, with skulls, ropes and horns; casted in resin, steel and copper.

This is a wonderful introduction to Philip Hitchcock's very original and awe-inspiring talent as a sculpturer. I loved this book and hope to obtain someday one of these sculpture's for myself. There is even a section about the processing of casting from "Life." A fascinating process shown with photos. If you are an art lover, or if you just appreciate the beauty of the human body, you will love this book. I certainly did.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Illuminating Dark Impressions, August 16, 2000

By 

J.W.Thomas (Los Angeles, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dark Impressions : The Art of Philip Hitchcock (Hardcover)

Having had the opportunity of seeing Mr. Hitchcocks unique art first hand, in both private collections and throughout various galleries here in Southern California, I was delighted to come acrross his handsome edition, Dark Impressions. Both beautiful and disturbing, Dark Impressions spans the past decade of work by the artist. Combining the fragmented, sometimes tortured, erotic figure, with a myriad of various mammal skulls, tattoos, restraints, hardware, and faux finishes, Mr. Hitchcock creates a contemporary mythology reminiscent to that of the Italian visionary, Tanino Liberatore, author of the US censored, masterfully drawn serial, Ranxerox. The two page spread of his twelve painted torsos, the cast resin and neon variations, give colorful accent to this flightful immerision into the complex mind of this riveting artist. For the aspiring artist and the curious, Mr. Hitchcock leaves us with a detailed, step by step, fully illustrated, inspiring, "how to," of his technique.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hitchcock Collector Recommends New Book, August 18, 2000

By 

[e-mail] (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dark Impressions : The Art of Philip Hitchcock (Hardcover)

I am so pleased with 'Dark Impressions, The Art of Philip Hitchcock', that I wanted to say how glad I am that Ellis Publications and Mr. Hitchcock put together such an extensive compilation of his work, and that a favorite site, Amazon.com, is part of the distribution.

This full-color, beautifully designed book will please not only anyone interested in the human form, but also sculptors, artists, art edition bibliophiles and collectors. The color reproductions are excellent -- MY Hitchcock is the first page I turned to. It looks true to the original that hangs on my wall.

As an artist who also collects artists' books, I am inspired by Mr. Hitchcock's career that also includes mixed media sculpture (which lights up!), his viewpoint on what he does, and that he shares the body casting process in a special section in the back.

The works shown in 'Dark Impressions' run the range from disturbing to bright and alive. This is one book I keep on the coffee table.

Best regards,

Greg Vineyard