The Art of William Schaff

December 7, 2005 1:59 PM

William Schaff makes really good art... Perhaps you recognize his artwork from Songs:Ohia's Magnolia Electric Company release or maybe the beautiful artwork from Godspeed You Black Emperor's Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven either way his site has a huge collection of his scratchboards, paintings, collages, and mail art.
posted by mrs.pants (15 comments total)

I knew a girl who had a tattoo personally designed by Schaff. I was jealous as all hell.
posted by S.C. at 2:06 PM on December 7, 2005

Godspeed You Black Emperor

Is that how they're spelling the commune's name this week?
posted by docgonzo at 2:17 PM on December 7, 2005

You! never! know! :)
posted by safetyfork at 2:20 PM on December 7, 2005

I've heard Godspeed actually only moved the exclamation point because they found out that the original location was an incorrect translation from the Japanese movie title.

Now Silver Mount Zion, I believe they're now on the fifth name or so - "Thee Silver Mountain Reveries."
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim at 2:23 PM on December 7, 2005

theres alot more at william's flicrk page
posted by jojomnky at 2:28 PM on December 7, 2005

Some of those skeleton collages (3rd link at top) are really great (in addition to the scratchboards).

TheOnlyCoolTim: interesting tidbit, thanks.
posted by safetyfork at 2:29 PM on December 7, 2005

thanks for the post...i recall trying to find more of his work after buying that GYBE album, but had little or no luck on the interwebs at the time.
posted by UbuRoivas at 2:34 PM on December 7, 2005

Lovely stuff, mrs.pants. Thanks.
posted by LeeJay at 2:42 PM on December 7, 2005

S.C. -

Is this the tattoo? If so, you're friend is very lucky.
posted by puke & cry at 2:53 PM on December 7, 2005 [1 favorite]

It's not. I don't see hers in there, actually; we haven't talked in years, or I'd try to rustle up a picture.
posted by S.C. at 3:40 PM on December 7, 2005

it's all just more awkward pirouettes in the general direction of hope and joy.
this rules. thanks!
posted by carsonb at 4:56 PM on December 7, 2005

His small book inspired by Neutral Milk Hotel, "I Am Listening To Here Where You Are" (click "Little Books" at the first link), is a very powerful, emotional piece. I was lucky enough to get one in the mail from him in a very beautiful skull-collaged envelope when I was researching my book about In The Aeroplane Over The Sea, and ended up writing about him in the influences section of the book. (William, if you read this, watch your mailbox for a signed copy early next week.)
posted by Scram at 1:30 AM on December 8, 2005

William Schaff is a wonder, a marvel and a muse. He sticks his hands deep in my chest.

I believe he's got a book of his music work coming out in the new year. His art has also adorned (of course) the last three Okkervil River LPs (including this year's exceptional Black Sheep Boy, which I think I love twice as much because of the art). Aberdeen's Kitchen Cynics released an EP called For Will, which is inspired by his work. And most recently, there's Schaff stuff on the cover/liner notes for the sad-indie-rock remix record by Joe Beats.

I second the recommendation for the awful, awesome, scary and beautiful "I Am Listening To Here Where You Are", which you can see on his website in its entirety.
posted by Marquis at 5:38 AM on December 8, 2005

He ain't got nothing on your work, mrs. pants.
posted by OmieWise at 5:45 AM on December 8, 2005

untrue! but thank you Omie...
posted by mrs.pants at 7:35 AM on December 8, 2005