thursday thoughts: word art

I have to admit that I'm not a fan of word-based prints. They're pretty and Inspiring. But even the best ones—the ones with beautiful calligraphy or a nice clean typeface, with a message that's simple and true—just aren't my thing.

But enough with my grouchiness. I really like words in art if they're organic, incidental—or just a more subtle part of a serious composition. I've already told you how much I like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Cy Twombly, and they both use words, whether scrawled or blocked out, in their work:

Untitled

Leaving Paphos Ringed With Waves III

In terms of more affordable, accessible art, words definitely work on a poster, like these from Jason Munn, where the typography adds to the overall look and style:

Saint Etienne

Sonic Youth (it's out of print)

And this might be my favorite word print of all. I don't live in Dallas, I've never been to this shop, and I certainly wasn't at the event commemorated here. But I can't stop looking at this poster:

I think it needs to live in my playroom.
(It's not for sale online, but they'll sell it to you over the phone for $50.)