Petals in the Mud

Follow the scent where it leads you. Here in our garden, we have many fine specimens. Careful to mind the thorns. Taste the nectar, and let your worries cease. Welcome to American Fantastic’s 2019 Spring update.

NEVER FIND ME BY JACK SCALLY IV

Jack Scally has a new set of illustrations. Never Find Me dwarfs the viewer with its massive landscape of Chimney Top Rock in Red River Gorge, Kentucky. Within its swirling aperture, we see Jack’s signature psychedelic pattern rising over the horizon. Jack’s gallery includes more of his recent work including a red sunset over calm waters, a human polymorph shifting with strange energy, and a tree whose bare branches reach like fingers into the sky. You can also follow him as @eradelphic on Instagram.

NIGHTSHADE BY YOKO MOLOTOV

John Beechem has written a new feature about Louisville artist Yoko Molotov. Yoko is a “gender-fluid, transgressive, multi-media artist, poet and musician” who also creates manga, draws portraits and illustrates commissions. Learn about her newest manga series Nightshade, and view some of her other creations. You can see more of her work on Instagram @yoko_molotov.

BUTTERFLY FLOWERS BY CALEB BEECHEM

Caleb Beechem returns with a trio of new photos that reveal the natural world, its dazzling colors and promises of the future. These flowers mirror like the wings of a butterfly. View the rest of his gallery to see a plant hanging from a window, suspended in glass, and a cloudy sunset in all its fiery beauty. You can also follow Caleb on Instagram @beechemphotography.

BUTTERFLY AND FLOWER

Mike Maes has begun experimenting with macro photography. See the world in full bloom, from a bug’s eye-view. Mike’s gallery also includes a colorful mosaic of bubbles and water, separating light into magnified puddles. You can see even more of Mike’s work by following him on Instagram @maes6267.

THE MILK HOURS BY JOHN JAMES

We congratulate poet John James for his new collection The Milk Hours, winner of the Max Ritvo Poetry Prize. John’s poetry is lyrical, poignant and has a lot to say about these strange times we live in. Read his title poem and five others here. Visit Milkweed Editions or your local bookstore to pick up his book.

collage by troy kremer

Hip Squared has continued its many conversations about all things pop-culture. Recent topics include podcasts The Walk, Mysterious Universe, and Astonishing Legends, musicians Dr. Dundiff, Otis Jr., Touch AC and Anderson East, and video games like the Stranger Things mobile game and Stardew Valley. Hosted by John Beechem and Troy Kremer, produced by Maplex Monk, Hip Squared is now available on iTunes and Google Podcasts. Check it out!

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Thanks for visiting! And remember, when reality becomes a burden, enjoy a sojourn into the fantastic…