Beyond Skin focus attention away from Don Ed Hardy’s tattooing (and obviously away from clothing) to enliven discussion of his work as a print maker, painter, and illustrator. To say that traditional arts were his first love would be a bit bold, as his interest in tattooing came early, but Hardy’s artistic breadth speaks to an interest in a range of practice and medium. The book covers the last four decades of Hardy’s output looking at everything from tattoo flash to cartoons. Additional essays and text provided by folklorist and tattoo historian Alan Govenar.

Available for pre-order from Amazon.

Buzz for Spike Jonze Where the Wild Things Are film adaptation has spread to New York, where the city is celebrating Maurice Sendak through several exhibitions and gallery showings. Sendak in Soho at the Animazing Gallery is just one of the opportunities out to see the famed illustrators work first hand. It is also a rare opportunity to bring some to your own home.

Included are drawings from the Wild Things, as well as commercial work and studies. A nice encapsulation of Sendak’s output.

Sendak in Soho runs through November 8, 2009 at 54 Green St., New York.

A few more examples of what’s on view at Animazing after the jump.

While he never reached the fame of fellow illustrator Norman Rockwell, J.C. Leyendecker’s illustration captured the hearts of many during the “Golden Age of Illustration.” One of the key players in the incorporation of branding and advertising, Leyendecker worked for a diverse set of clients. Most importantly, Leyendecker helped form the model for the well-dressed male. His work for “Arrow Shirts” becoming his hallmark.

William King Art Center, located in Abington, VA, is currently showing J.C. Leyendecker: America’s “Other” Illustrator. The exhibition runs until November 22, 2009. Full review available from the Bee.

Further example of Leyendecker’s illustration after the jump.

Emerging illustrator Andrew Clark is subject of the latest exhibition at London’s Studio55. The space was created by Italian brand 55DSL, which for 15 years has supported artists, musicians, and creative endeavour. Wishing to further complement their work and enhance the life of the SOHO store, Studio55 was designed as a creative hub and a place to share the work of upcoming artists.

Clark won a cover competition for FACT magazine in 2007. The competition was sponsored by 55DSL, and alerted the brand to the talent. His latest works are inspired by the brand’s 15 year history. This will be his first solo showing.

Opening is October 1, 2009 at 10a Newburgh St, London.

More images follow.

R. Crumb’s vision of the Book of Genesis unfolds over 2o7 individual black and white drawings. Each of the drawings holds six panels which run through each and every word of the Old Testament. Already with a building fan base, Crumb’s Bible project is subject of full examination at UCLA’s Hammer Museum beginning in October.

Fans of Crumb’s bawdy style will have the opportunity to view the Book of Genesis (as drawn by Crumb) in full glory. The exhibition is curated by Ali Subotnick and is set to travel sometime after the February 7, 2010 closing date in Los Angeles. (via Evil Monito).

Expect more information as the opening date nears.

A 2007 graduate of the Royal College of Art, Mimi Leung is an illustrator splitting time between London and Hong Kong. Her work balances commissions with personal pieces devised for exhibition. It’s Nice That caught up with Leung for a nice chat. Topics include plans for the week and spelling.

Check out more of Mimi Leung’s illustration after the jump.

The latest video from Wallpaper*s quest for new film talent follows three graduate students from different disciplines as they prepare for their final show. Directed by Rafael Pavon, Fresh Masters 09 is a look into the students excitement and fear.

Emma Kelly is a commercial artist living in London. She draws everyday things with lovely detail. She also has, perhaps, one of the nicest sounding urls – iliketodrawthings.com. (via It’s Nice That).

A few more of Kelly’s drawings after the jump.

Illustrator Juliana Wang brings to life tourist travel in Japan in her book, It’s A Funny Place, Japan. Her musings are based on personal experience and balance the expectations and reality of her trip. All images are printed in a single color. (via Book By Its Cover).

In 1988, my family moved houses. Rummaging through the attic soon after arrival I stumbled upon a massive stash of Mad Magazine. The issues were the only thing the previous owner had left behind, and were also my introduction (completely unknowingly) to the work of Basil Wolverton. Dubbed “The van Gogh of the Gross Out” in today’s New York Times, Wolverton is subject of a retrospective exhibition at Barbara Gladstone Gallery.

Located at 515 W. 24, New York, the gallery will host Wolverton’s work through August 14, 2009.