Crowd-funding Alert: Grafix Knox: The Creative Works of Chris Knox 1965-2014

Above: The cover of Grafix Knox, copyright Chris Knox 2014.

A creative force in local popular culture, a legion of fans with be familiar with the many creative works of Chris Knox. From his music as a solo artist and with bands like The Enemy and Toy Love, to his comics contributions to Strips, Jesus On a Stick, and comic strips for the NZ Listener, Real Groove Magazine and The New Zealand Herald. His contributions to the New Zealand artistic landscape has been significant, but a collection celebrating and analysing these works has never been attempted - until now.

Beatnik Publishing has teamed with designer/artist Chris Mousdale to produce Grafix Knox: The Creative Works of Chris Knox 1965-2014, the first major volume dedicated to collecting Knox's many artistic endeavours, from comics to painting, gig posters, record designs and everything in between. Mousdale is working closely with Knox and his family to assemble this collection from Knox's considerable personal archives.

Above: A spread from the proposed book. Copyright Chris Knox 2014.

As many of you may be aware, Knox suffered a major stroke in 2009, and is still experiencing significant debilitating effects. His speech is affected and his physical stamina compromised. But remarkably he continues to paint and draw, relearning his technique with his left hand. This book will span his remarkable career from his early drawing in the 1960s, right up to his recent painting series 'Electric', which offers a startling insight into the impact and after-effects of his life-changing stroke. Proceeds from the book will also go directly back to Chris and his family, to provide support and some much appreciated income.

To make this essential collection possible, Beatnik have turned to crowd-funding site Fundnation, where they are seeking $50,000 NZ for printing costs. Full-colour art books are very expensive to produce, so this is a reasonable ask - but time is running out. There are just 5 days left to raise the required funds, so if you'd like to see this book become a reality - please pledge at the Fundnation site HERE.

- AK!