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After graduating from art college, Mr. Grimly brought his
remarkable talent to Los Angeles where he started working
for Universal Studios. During these lean years he contributed
character designs for themed entertainment while in his spare
time producing a series of original (and now extremely rare
and highly valued) miniature books. The sold-out series of
slip-cased works, complete with side-show banner covers showcasing
the lives of Helium Head Harold and Norbert the Seal Boy among
others, were produced in limited quantities of no more than
nine each. Every small panel of each individual book was a
hand-painted original. These
diminutive masterpieces brought him to the attention of
discerning collectors and high-profile publishers, both
of whom actively sought him out. Almost immediately, editors
at Harper Collins and Hyperion Press (a division of the
Walt Disney Company) hired him to paint the covers for best
selling works and to illustrate original children’s
books like Monster Museum and Creature Carnival.
His
intricate lines and startling layouts combined with an exceptional
use of carefully controlled water color and ink washes were
instantly hailed by his peers, themselves leaders in the
field of fantasy and horror illustration and fine art; many
of whom had inspired Mr. Grimly in his youth. Evidence of
his place in this unique segment of the art world was marked
early on when his work was selected to appear in Spectrum:
The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art, the leading arts
journal showcasing the best and brightest fantasy and science
fiction artists around the world. Mr. Grimly was in good
company at a very young age, sharing the pages with the
likes of James Gurney (Dinotopia), Peter de’Seve (noted
for his covers for The New Yorker) and Caldecott winners
Leo and Diane Dillon.
Gris
Grimly has now returned to his roots illustrating his own
writing in such books as Gris Grimly’s Wicked Nursery
Rhymes. Best selling horror author and film director Clive
Barker referred to Grimly’s work as “stylish,
funny, and gloriously ghoulish.”
Animazing
Gallery is proud to showcase Mr. Grimly’s original
drawings, water colors, paintings and commissioned works.
His dark humor and thoroughly original vision opens up a
vibrant world of childhood nightmares with both a chill
and a subtle wink, making him the 21st century equivalent
of a young Charles Addams and quickly on his way to being
just as highly prized by discerning and appreciative collectors
across the globe.
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