Jerry Garcia: The Collected Artwork [Paperback]

Jerry Garcia (Author), April Higashi (Editor), Bob Dylan (Preface), Mickey Hart (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 13, 2005

Published to coincide with the tenth anniversary of his passing, Jerry Garcia: The Collected Artwork is a profusely illustrated showcase of, and appreciation for, Jerry Garcia's art, life, and creative spirit. Opening with a foreword by Mickey Hart, the collection features more than 100 full-color reproductions of his paintings, drawings, and prints. This historic presentation of Jerry's distinguished body of work (which includes pen and inks, acrylics, watercolors, and digital media) is at once a stunning art book in an accessible, coffee-table format and an intimate and playful celebration of his creativity. Edited by April Higashi, art curator and archivist of the Jerry Garcia estate, each chapter opens with a commentary on the art presented in the context of Jerry's life and times. Punctuating these essays are "interludes," illustrated by candid photographs, featuring interviews, anecdotes, and remembrances by key cultural figures as well as those closest to Jerry. Participants include Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Herbert Gold, Donna Godchaux, Victor Moscoso, Carlos Santana, Baron Wolman, Paul Pena, and members of the Garcia and Grateful Dead families.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

An innovative and prolific musician, Jerry Garcia was the driving force behind that legendary band from the Haight-Ashbury scene of the 1960s, the Grateful Dead. It was a full-time job, as represented by 30-odd years spent touring. Turns out, Garcia also was a skilled visual artist. Now comes this collection featuring reproductions of his work and lending new insight into his boundless creativity. Garcia began drawing and painting while in high school. He dabbled in different mediums, and the book is divided into four categories: drawings, watercolors, acrylics, and digital. Interspersed are essays written by significant cultural figures and his closest friends. Particularly impressive are Garcia's line drawings (including fun caricatures), and much of his work in all media retains the graceful fluidity of an expressive squiggle. His watercolors and acrylics are as vibrant as one might expect but still surprise with their juxtaposition of seemingly incongruous colors. His exploration of the digital world reflects a fascination with things new. Overall, the joy Garcia found in this more private form of artistic expression shines through on every page. Jerry Eberle
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Jerry Garcia was one of the greatest American songwriters and guitarists of all time. As front man for the legendary jam band The Grateful Dead, he has, literally, tens of millions of fans around the world.

April Higashi is the art curator of the Jerry Garcia Estate and an artist herself. There is no one more qualified for this project. She lives in San Francisco.

Mickey Hart is the former drummer for the Grateful Dead and author of PLANET DRUM (HarperSanFrancisco).

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Running Press (October 13, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560257555
• ISBN-13: 978-1560257554
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 11 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #338,589 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good condition for an inspiring book of art, February 23, 2008

By 

Steve Weber Jr. "Steve Birdman" (Foothills of the Rockys) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jerry Garcia: The Collected Artwork (Paperback)

This is a nice book to own if you want to understand another side of Jerry Garcia, his artistic skills through blissful colors and scenes. Bought this used book for real low price and find his art pretty damn good, a definetive style he creates.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply outstanding, a 'must have' for any fan, June 23, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jerry Garcia: The Collected Artwork (Paperback)

If you're an avid Jerry Garcia or Grateful Dead fan, you can't be without JERRY GARCIA: THE COLLECTED ARTWORK, published to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the band's formation and the 10th anniversary of Jerry's passing. Mickey Hart provides the introduction to over a hundred reproductions of Jerry's paintings, drawings and prints. While avid fans will recognize some of these works, having them all together under one cover makes them outstanding; especially since they're accompanied by essays commenting on the meaning and importance of each section as it relates to Jerry's life and times, include interviews with key contemporary musicians and critics, and comes packed with anecdotes. Simply outstanding, a 'must have' for any fan.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

5.0 out of 5 stars grate book, February 1, 2010

By 

M "Michelle" (Chicago) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jerry Garcia: The Collected Artwork (Paperback)

great gift for any grateful dead fan, jerry has some really interesting art to look at