‘The Drowned Ball’
— Joyce Chong
Visual art, or illustration, is something that I’ve found has always been intertwined with storytelling. Good art will do the same thing that good poetry or fiction will; it evokes a sense of familiarity and curiosity, buries you in a single moment, another time. Good art evokes a distinct atmosphere, and hangs around like a persistent, dream-like memory.
I don’t remember where I first encountered Zelda’s artwork, but I know I’ve seen it accompanying fiction in several publications and spec fic magazines. What I loved about ‘The Drowned Ball’ was how much it seemed to have to say, the amount of strange and sad and beautiful going on all at once inside of it. It vividly captures a striking moment, the rush of the moment before it’s all swept away by the sea.
If you’re in need of some inspiration, or just hungry for more, here are a few of my favourites: Resurrected King, Death of Cleopatra, Bone Flower Throne, with even more to be found over at her portfolio.