Dragonworld edited by Pamela Wissman & Sarah Laichas (book review).
The subtitle of the book “Dragonworld,” edited by Pamela Wissman & Sarah Laichas, reads: “120 dragons with advice and inspiration from 49 international artists.” Although the book was published in 2011, I only recognized a Chinese dragon by Tiago da Silva and Kerem Beyit, whose artwork also graces the cover, from another dragon-themed book.
Much of the content showcases the final artwork rather than the process of drawing, painting, or digitizing, accompanied by brief notes. This approach is excellent for those interested in viewing diverse dragon illustrations but is less helpful for those seeking guidance on interpreting the intricate designs of these mythical creatures. However, understanding the existing interpretations can prevent one from merely replicating what’s already out there.
Interestingly, I found it challenging to read many pages consecutively and began analyzing why. Posing the same questions to 49 artists about a shared subject inevitably yields repetitive answers, which can be exhausting. While I understand the editors’ desire for consistency, deeper follow-up questions could have enriched the discourse. Notably, many artists mentioned the flexibility in dragon design, allowing for the incorporation of characteristics from various animals, not just reptiles. The prevalence of dragon mythology in diverse cultures, each with unique designs and not necessarily shared legends, is also highlighted. For instance, one cannot confuse a Chinese dragon with a British one.
Clearly, dragons are the primary allure of this book. A dozen years ago, when this book hit the shelves, the publisher Impact was known for books on drawing various genres. This particular title seems an outlier in their collection, possibly indicating an attempt to gauge market interest.
A whimsical touch: the singed page edges suggest that dragons have been perusing the book themselves!
GF Willmetts
October 2023
(pub: Impact Books/Penguin/Random House, 2011. 159 page illustrated indexed large hardback. Price: varies. ISBN: 978-1-4403-0873-4)
check out website: www.impact-books.com
