Classic WSJ Art, Part 20

( To view the initial Post in this series, please click on https://cyan-sunfish-e2wr.squarespace.com/config/pages/620a981b1f3c5f26f4888ee8 )

This time, a variety of topics and styles. At theWSJ we did a lot more than hedcuts (portraits), as you will see. Nonetheless, let’s start with with one:

WSJ Hedcut

The author, George Orwell, likely appearing on Page One. Nice drawing — I’m surprised I didn’t sign it! As I said, at The Journal, we made a lot of art besides portraits, like this:

This drawing was probably rush job, as it is uncharacteristically loose. We see two carvers hewing out the sculpture for a bowsprit. Full-page on the front page… an “A*Hed” piece (4th column) I assume.

Next, a graphic image…

The above, called “Test” was created to repeat as a banner or ‘frieze’, as shown here:

I don’t remember much about the article, but it was seemingly covering the growth of computer classes for adults, at the advent of the industry. This one appeared in Section Two, or we would call “The Second Front”.

To close, two items I consider ‘conceptual art’…

The above, labeled simply “Alaska” is a full-column illustration, I presume appearing on Page 1. The piece describing the legislation that brought about a pay-out to every Alaskan, every year, as a share of oil revenue earned in the state. At the time (mid 80’s) it was $1,000. per annum. This graphic image is interesting for the use of an irregular template that I utilize to create the squiggly vertical-line work. Using this pattern, I was also able to suggest the reflective effect beneath the piles of checks.

But, back to the classic illustration I refer to in these posts…

“Toys”

I think I owe a nod to “I’m The Man” Joe Jackson for this one. The story was about product knock-off’s, illegitimate merchandise being pedaled by shady operators. Even in as it’s almost comical, this ‘casual’ illustration appears on Page One on The Wall Street Journal!