“The Fantastic World of Myths and Legends”
Lord of the Rings Celebration An Event Celebrating the Tolkien Art of Ted Nasmith and Sir Edward Beard, Jr.
December 2nd, 2001 – January 31st, 2002
“One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them”
Following the unprecedented success of our previous four sell-out exhibitions at the Chalk Farm Gallery in London, England, the Chalk Farm Gallery of Santa Fe is pleased to announce the long-awaited exhibition of the work of world renowned J.R.R.Tolkien artist, TED NASMITH.
The fantasy book of the 20th century is about to become the motion picture event of the 21st Century. J.R.R. Tolkien’s groundbreaking epic of heroes, monstrous creatures and dark armies of terror will be presented in a trilogy of feature films. New Line Cinema’s production of The Lord of the Rings marks the first time an entire feature film trilogy is being filmed concurrently, making it one of the longest, most massive productions in Hollywood history. The first release, The Fellowship of the Ring, is scheduled for December 19th, 2001. In anticipation of these films, Ted Nasmith has created a new body of marvelously fantastical work to inspire the world.
Ted Nasmith has worked on many Tolkien publications, including “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, and has had several annual calendars of his artwork published by Harper Collins, with worldwide distribution. He is the sole illustrator of the recently released book, Silmarillion, and his 2002 calendar, “The Fellowship of the Ring” is in full release worldwide. The original paintings as seen in this publication are the basis of our most recent London and Santa Fe gallery exhibitions.
Perhaps Mr. Nasmith’s greatest accolade was the approval given to his work by Tolkien himself. Tolkien expressed his admiration of Mr. Nasmith’s interpretations of his characters before his death, and this encouragement led him to model his life around Tolkien art. Ted Nasmith’s mastery at visualizing Tolkien’s prose has captivated an audience far greater than could ever have been imagined. His paintings have inherited the book’s dynamics, power and mythological intent, which has led to his established career as a Tolkien interpreter.
“When I interpret Tolkien, I feel genuinely at home with it and derive great satisfaction from exploring all potential aspects of Middle- earth. With each new illustration, I feel a little bit more of it is captured: characters, locales, atmosphere and drama. It is always interesting to discover the ways that a picture can add new layers of meaning to a scene when the various elements of the composition come together, and how unconscious associations find their way into the work. There doesn’t seem to be any limit to the possibilities and as far as l can tell, l will be exploring them for some time to come.”
Ted Nasmith lives and works in Canada. As an illustrator, he divides his time between architectural renderings and a variety of other forms of illustration, particularly the Tolkien paintings, for which he has become most recognized.
Fantasy artist SIR EDWARD BEARD, JR. has been creating dragons, wizards, fairies and every mythical character that lore provides for the last 22 years. Recognition came at an early age when he was commissioned by Pope Paul VI in 1978 to represent the United States as a delegate to the arts. From this commission came many more years of religious works including spectacular seventy-foot tall cathedral walls. More recently, he has become well loved and respected for his beautiful Tolkien-inspired work.
In addition to the exhibition, Mr. Nasmith and Mr. Beard are sponsoring a local art competition for students aged 6-11 and 12-18. Santa Fe school students are invited to submit a piece of artwork depicting their favorite Tolkien character or scene. Up to six pieces of artwork will be chosen from each school to be entered into the final competition (3 pieces from each age group). The artists will judge the competition and the winners will be exhibited at the Chalk Farm Gallery alongside Ted Nasmith and Ed Beard, Jr. during the opening reception on Sunday, December 2nd, 2001, from 3pm – 7pm. (Please see schedule of events). During the opening, Ted Nasmith will team up with Casper Reiff of the Denmark-based Tolkien Ensemble to present a collection of songs inspired by the author. The Gallery shall also present a prize for the Best Tolkien Costume. We invite everyone to dress up as his or her favorite Tolkien character. Hobbits, Wizards, Elves, Lords and Ladies… all are welcome.
Camera-ready artwork is available upon request.
Interviews with the artist(s) may be scheduled through the gallery.
Contact information:
Angela Cummings Kasso
The Chalk Farm Gallery – Santa Fe
Phone: 505-983-7125
Fax: 505-983-7128
E-mail: chalkfarm@newmexico.com
