Alex Grey ™

[gl0tch]

(since Toolband has this art up now in relation to the new album, perhaps this wont be moved to rumors)

Let me begin by saying I enjoy Alex Grey's work. I also enjoy old tankha paintings, sand manadalas, and black light posters all the same.

That being said, what do you see in Mr. Grey's work? Why is it so good? Why does it deserve to be on another Tool record AGAIN? I'm just curious what some of you think since it seems the art historical / visual literacy here isnt much beyond Border's Books & Music, etc. Obviously his images have struck a chord (pardon the pun) with Tool fans on some level. Do we want that chord plucked twice? Is this because we are unwilling to accept change? That unwillingness seems rather un-Toolish (haha, there I said it)

My only concern is that his work is kinda "NAME BRAND." Though not necessarily a bad thing, I'm just not sure if this a/v collaboration is as beneficial as may appear on the surface. To be honest, its all starting to seem rather New Agey for me.

As an experiment, imagine if Tool grabbed an old Salvador Dali image for Lateralus (I only use him because I *know* everyone knows his work and he is about as colloquial and yet surreal as Alex Grey). Now imagine if they went and did it again for the new record. Would it still be as accepted on high?

I have my own answers to these questions.

[Chris_Brightwell]

That being said, what do you see in Mr. Grey's work?Arrogance and mediocrity.

The only painting of his that I like is Theologue. The rest is ranges from pretentious to obnoxious, IMO.

[gl0tch]

My thing is, I just cant picture listening to a new cd by Tool that is supposed to NOT be Lateralus II, but is designed stylistically the same, then going to a new show for this album, with more of the same style backdrops (but with maybe slightly different images), and NOT feel like I just rewound 5 years ago and am experiencing the same exact shit all over again.

[RacecaR123]

Arrogance and mediocrity.

The only painting of his that I like is Theologue. The rest is ranges from pretentious to obnoxious, IMO.

Alex Grey is an amazing artist. If you're a fan of Tool, it seems almost necessary to be a fan of his as well, because both are pushing the same ideas, just through different mediums. I don't think his work is obnoxious or pretentious at all, I don't think he's on some kind of ego frenzy or trying to attract attention to himself, he's trying to attract attention to his art, trying to push higher ideals, so people will maybe look at life differently, just as Tool does.

[gl0tch]

Alex Grey is an amazing artist. If you're a fan of Tool, it seems almost necessary to be a fan of his as well, because both are pushing the same ideas, just through different mediums. I don't think his work is obnoxious or pretentious at all, I don't think he's on some kind of ego frenzy or trying to attract attention to himself, he's trying to attract attention to his art, trying to push higher ideals, so people will maybe look at life differently, just as Tool does.

I agree with this point very much. I guess if divinity presents itself in one *type* of thing, I'd be inclined to see if it is alive in another. Not out of lack of gratitude, but out of inquiry and communication. That being said, his art is only one *type* of work that explores these ideas. Why not seek these out if this is in fact a new project for the band / community of fans?

[Chris_Brightwell]

Alex Grey is an amazing artist. I disagree.

[dwr budr]

I agree with Chris. However, the only work of his I like is from Nirvana's In Utero.

[Watching and mentioning]

I see it along the lines of movie or possibly music video directors. Just because the visual artist is the same, doesn't mean that the album will convey the same message.

I personally like the image posted on toolband.com, and I have faith that the sound the new tool album will have, won't be mistaken for something else.

I guess the best way I can describe my thoughts are to compare it to a movie I enjoy, Fight Club, and take the creator, Chuck Palahniuk, and the person that brought to a visual medium, David Fincher. If another of Mr. Palahniuk's books like Invisible Monsters or Survivor were to be made into a movie, and Mr. Fincher were to direct it again, I would not think for a second that it would be anything like Fight Club. Yes, the visuals might have similarities, but the idea behind story would be completely different.

spiral out

[blair's man sausage]

Arrogance and mediocrity.

The only painting of his that I like is Theologue. The rest is ranges from pretentious to obnoxious, IMO.

theologue is definately my favorite as well

[gl0tch]

I see it along the lines of movie or possibly music video directors. Just because the visual artist is the same, doesn't mean that the album will convey the same message.

I personally like the image posted on toolband.com, and I have faith that the sound the new tool album will have, won't be mistaken for something else.

I guess the best way I can describe my thoughts are to compare it to a movie I enjoy, Fight Club, and take the creator, Chuck Palahniuk, and the person that brought to a visual medium, David Fincher. If another of Mr. Palahniuk's books like Invisible Monsters or Survivor were to be made into a movie, and Mr. Fincher were to direct it again, I would not think for a second that it would be anything like Fight Club. Yes, the visuals might have similarities, but the idea behind story would be completely different.

spiral out

I can see where you are going with this, but in terms of representation people have different associations with moving pictures than static images. Still pictures have more ICONIC connotations that we project meaning into. So, its kinda different. Good analogy though!

[goats]

i've seen an alex grey snowboard with one of the sacred mirrors on it before. need i say more?

if i do need to say more: his art is uninspiring.

[paraflux]

I'm by no means a visual arts snob (just a sonic snob) so I have no problems admitting that I love Grey's work. If it has gone to head, if he is all pretentious, I cannot say because I dont know the man. But I certainly appreciate what he has done with his work. There may be other artists out there that are more electrifying, more subtle, more whatever, but I think his art is something that the public needs to see and try to figure out.

[gl0tch]

got grey?™

(I saw a skeleton with a milk moustache as I typed that)

[gl0tch]

I'm by no means a visual arts snob (just a sonic snob) so I have no problems admitting that I love Grey's work. If it has gone to head, if he is all pretentious, I cannot say because I dont know the man. But I certainly appreciate what he has done with his work. There may be other artists out there that are more electrifying, more subtle, more whatever, but I think his art is something that the public needs to see and try to figure out.

fair enough, but should the new TOOL cd be another promotion vessel for him?

[orange.juice]

I fully agree with Mr Brightwell here.
I also enjoy old tankha paintings, sand manadalas, and black light posters all the same.

this does not surprise me at all.

[gl0tch]

is there any difference? I'm not saying I enjoy them as the epitomy of artistic expression. I'm commenting on the purpose they serve. Most of it's rather camp to be honest.

[T-13h]

My interest in his work is purely for its symbolic content. Maynard's lyrics don't exactly make for world class literature, either. In both cases, however, the artist is clearly trying to connect a personal vision to the most fundamental archetypes of human existence. It may lack variation or subtlety, but it cuts right to the grotesque/beautiful core of being human.

[paraflux]

fair enough, but should the new TOOL cd be another promotion vessel for him?

If the band thinks his stuff can be useful in their endeavors, then by all means let it be whatever it is to him. But if they are just using his stuff out of friendship or something else that has nothing to do with a heightened experience, then fuck him.

[gl0tch]

If the band thinks his stuff can be useful in their endeavors, then by all means let it be whatever it is to him. But if they are just using his stuff out of friendship or something else that has nothing to do with a heightened experience, then fuck him.

word up.

[Sol Invictus]

Tool can do what the fuck they want, use a same artist twice..I think its the actual piece of art that inspires the band to make it the cover not the artist and "trying to push hiis name out there." But in reality, since i have made my counter argument on art and the band, I really dont think that picture has anything to do with the cover....IMO

[Xanatos]

I am going to have to go with Chris on this one.

[Cid]

Arrogance and mediocrity.

The only painting of his that I like is Theologue. The rest is ranges from pretentious to obnoxious, IMO.


haha...

[Attila]

I'm surprised H.R. Giger hasn't done anything with Tool. I think he would fit their style.

[gl0tch]

I'm surprised H.R. Giger hasn't done anything with Tool. I think he would fit their style.

You're kidding right?

Jesusfuckingchrist, what sort of hippie-hybrid dungeons & dragons lair do you people think Tool lives in?!?!

[Jayar]

It's like watching porn sometimes.

[paraflux]

You're kidding right?

Jesusfuckingchrist, what sort of hippie-hybrid dungeons & dragons lair do you people think Tool lives in?!?!
Come on, he thinks it would be cool, let him.

You speak as if you know the band?

[gl0tch]

::gulp::

[Octopod]

While I don't think Grey's work is particularly amazing on an artistic level, I do think his use of archetypes and ideas is well put together. I just wish he was a better artist. I think he puts these concepts together particularly well spatially so they are apparent and have relevance to each other, but the end product does carry an element of "camp" as someone mentioned that is a bit bothersome.

But Tool do seem interested in that campy element. The Bill Hicks painting and the blue Adam sculpture in Ænima are a bit campy, as are the artwork for the Prison sex single and (to an extent) the collage from Opiate. Not to mention the fact that the guy from Lateralus is buck-toothed, imo. I think it may be a low key utilization of the important element of humor that foils their otherwise serious and dark representation, and the band may enjoy that element in Grey's work... even though they probably wouldn't ever mention it publicly if they did.

But I do think the new image (whatever it ends up being) is a relevant repitition of the imagery introduced at the end of the Parabola video. Tool are still sticking to the notions of a "third eye" and duality that have been present since Opiate.

[FlamingEye]

I don't like all of his art work but most of it is fucking awesome. My favorite is probably "Zena Gazing at the Moon" and " Collective Vision"

[InertUniformity]

has anyone here picked up a copy of transfigurations? its a cool book. i like alex grey alright. he has done some strange stuff..he takes his job pretty seriously...

i hope this new art isnt the album cover...but if it is then eh...i like it better than undertow

[Ertai]

Alex Grey is an amazing artist. If you're a fan of Tool, it seems almost necessary to be a fan of his as well, because both are pushing the same ideas, just through different mediums. I don't think his work is obnoxious or pretentious at all, I don't think he's on some kind of ego frenzy or trying to attract attention to himself, he's trying to attract attention to his art, trying to push higher ideals, so people will maybe look at life differently, just as Tool does.

well said.... can you please elaborate on what you think is obnoxious? let me guess.. the painting of a female giving birth, is that too much for you to handle?

[ARMZ]

Yes yes, I know it's been said, yes yes I know everyone knows, yes yes I know MTV sucks donkey balls...

The album art for Tool's next album, 10,000 Days, has been posted on the band's Web site. Once again Tool called on artist Alex Grey — who crafted the art for 2001's Lateralus and whose daughter appears in "The Shaggy Dog" — to come up with the cover design. The 77-minute, 11-song 10,000 Days is due in stores May 2.

[gl0tch]

Is that the same MTV that last year was so quick to share the "news" that Maynard quit to discover Jesus?

[ARMZ]

Yip.

[gl0tch]

ok, just checking.

[ARMZ]

Zena Grey (http://www.coolhunt.net/features/celeb_lifestyle/images/zena/los_pro_zena_grey_032.jpg)

[Boozy Eulogist]

My opinion is rather bias. I worked for the Grey's and CoSM. Of course I could go on and on about why I love his work, but I do have a differing view on the album art.

Because the album is to be heavier and, as the interviews said, angrier, I feel that his work might not be the best to use. Of course there are negative pieces, but that was mostly from his younger years, and this work chosen by Tool is one that is ment to be the Hall of Unity...a vision of religions and seperates coming together in a place of healing. Doesn't sound on the same page as the work, but of course I have not heard the album yet.

I would be more than happy to see his work involved, I just hope it fits if so. Also...could this be DVD work? He was designing the DVD art when I was last working at CoSM. This piece would fit right in with the original works done for the casing.

[gl0tch]

I like Boozy Eulogist. He's a good guy.

[Crucify the Ego]

I love Alex Grey's work. My favorite artist of all time though, is Luke Brown. www.spectraleyes.com , check it out it's so amazing.

[Boozy Eulogist]

thanks glotch, I try to be at least slightly worthwhile from time to time...ha.

P.S. I have desided that I will ask Holly about this. She is one of the main workers at CoSM and would most likely have an update, although she was kept in the dark about Alex being involved assuming this all infact has been planned by the band and Alex for sometime. She did admit that he could be under contract to not even tell them, but he's not the best at keeping secrets :-P

[chonus]

I disagree.


I disagree to disagree.

[Ryan]

Zena Grey (http://www.coolhunt.net/features/celeb_lifestyle/images/zena/los_pro_zena_grey_032.jpg)

that saved this thread.

[Natalie Portman]

that saved this thread.obviously

[new millenium cyanide christ]

While I don't think Grey's work is particularly amazing on an artistic level, I do think his use of archetypes and ideas is well put together. I just wish he was a better artist.



so lets give u a couple of paintbrushes and see what u can do, mmmkay?

[Boozy Eulogist]

Zena's pretty Awesome as far as teenagers go. Better than most of those brats. Goddamn wippersnappers!

[ARMZ]

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0340720/

[rank]

To reitterate what I posted before: Why is it that you think that them using Grey again is a negative, while the fact that they used Cam's work twice (opiate and Aenima, two very different albums) goes uncontested? Maybe I missed something (or am just dumb), but I dont understand why that should be fine, but using Alex again is bad. Please elaborate.

And as for what I see in Alex's work, I dont think hes the most talented visionary artist in the world, but his depictions of reality ring true to me. I like to believe that what he sees has some role in our world. As for why it strikes Tool fans specifically, it probably has a lot to do with that Tool is a large source of publicity for him. I'd be willing to bet that if he had more publicity, more people would find his art stimulating, even though it might not be the most amazing thing artistically. Keep in mind here that I have no artistic educational backgroud, so I'm talking about everthing in terms of opinion only.

Also, I have met Mr. Gray at the full moon in CoSM, and I can tell you that if he is opperating on an inflated ego, he hides it better than anyone I've ever met. I think he truly loves and believes in what he does, and if nothing else, his passion is admirable.

EDIT: I re-read some things, and I understand that if you aren't into "new wave" things, you could find the repeate dissagreeable. As for the comparison to using a "dali" twice, remember that Dali isn't a starving artist, and doesn't need more support. Mr. Grey on the other hand isn't exactly world reknouned.

[new millenium cyanide christ]

Also, I have met Mr. Gray at the full moon in CoSM, and I can tell you that if he is opperating on an inflated ego, he hides it better than anyone I've ever met. I think he truly loves and believes in what he does, and if nothing else, his passion is admirable.



agreed.


i've met alex as well, and he is one of the most genuine and sincere pair of eyeballs you will ever come in contact with...


oh yea, and if tool were to use his art again, i'd be thrilled...


edit: but i do feel that tool will go a different direction this time around and alex's work will not be involved....but if it is, big plus

[gl0tch]

As for the comparison to using a "dali" twice, remember that Dali isn't a starving artist, and doesn't need more support. Mr. Grey on the other hand isn't exactly world reknouned.

Well, he most certainly isnt starving either. The difference between Cam's experience on 2 records and Alex's is, is that Cam worked as a designer, and Alex works as an illustrator. The are no stylistic continuities between Opiate and Undertow, which makes them unique unto themselves.

That being said, Alex's work is "branded." Visually, the records will seem derivative of each other, though the band has gone on record saying that they are disimiliar.

So? See what I mean now?

[weak&weary]

Alex's work is "branded." Visually, the records will seem derivative of each other, though the band has gone on record saying that they are disimiliar.
I think it's important to remember that, while all of Tool's records are very seperate, the themes of each tie over in to eachother as well. The new record will undoubtedly support further separation, but that doesn't mean it will have nothing at all to do with the band's previous work. I think the art reflects that very well.

[rank]

Well, he most certainly isnt starving either. The difference between Cam's experience on 2 records and Alex's is, is that Cam worked as a designer, and Alex works as an illustrator. The are no stylistic continuities between Opiate and Undertow, which makes them unique unto themselves.

That being said, Alex's work is "branded." Visually, the records will seem derivative of each other, though the band has gone on record saying that they are disimiliar.

So? See what I mean now?

I do understand your viewpoint now. Fair 'nough.

[Boozy Eulogist]

hehehe Mr. Grey...I like that.

What Full Moon(s) have you been to?

[delysid]

Man I can't believe so many people look at Alex Grey's work as "mediocre" and "obnoxious." This truly shocks me. The dude has an amazing talent and he is truly a visionary. The ideas that he tries to show us with art are all positive. To look at his work in a negative frame of mind is just unbelievable to me. Even if you didn't particulary enjoy his work, I don't see how the only things you people can come up with to say are negative.

I also don't see anything wrong with using Alex Grey's art for the cover again, I think its badass, and I also don't see anything wrong with the new album artwork. At first sight, I was expecting the image to be a portion of the whole sleeve...maybe like a fold out type of deal. With this painting and that idea, plus the possibility of it being a stereoscopic image....sounds badass to me. Unlike the majority of people, I'm not disappointed at all.

[Chris_Brightwell]

Man I can't believe so many people look at Alex Grey's work as "mediocre" and "obnoxious." This truly shocks me. Keep drinking the Kool-Aid.

[Boozy Eulogist]

Who's providing?

[delysid]

Keep drinking the Kool-Aid.

Damn...and I tried really hard not to bring up how amazing and unbelievable his art is on LSD.

[Boozy Eulogist]

Try laying in the Hall of Sacred Mirrors while on it.

Seriously...


...try it.

[Octopod]

so lets give u a couple of paintbrushes and see what u can do, mmmkay?

Perhaps I'm being to hard on him. I really do like his piece "Painting" from 1998. And the tree of life piece he contributed to the Beastie Boys' Ill Communication inlay is very reminiscent of H. Bosch's "Garden of Delights" (http://museoprado.mcu.es/i38a.html). I guess I just don't get a complete sense of awe from his execution. I'm more impressed by the layers of meaning he infuses into his works.

Surprisingly enough, I find the current artwork (if it is indeed the cover) to be much more striking than most of his work (including the cover for Lateralus), and I wouldn't mind it being the cover at all, really. The main eyes are mesmerizing, and the expression very stoic. The face/faces are very imposing, which seems to foreshadow a little something about the new record. To me, this is another example of success when zeroing in on one particular element of a larger piece.

Would I be disappointed that Tool didn't commission an original piece for the cover this time around? Probably, yes. But that fact doesn't necessarily mean that their chosen image isn't appropriate to the music.

[hateAliases]

Zena Grey ... amazing

[paraflux]

Perhaps I'm being to hard on him. I really do like his piece "Painting" from 1998. And the tree of life piece he contributed to the Beastie Boys' Ill Communication inlay is very reminiscent of H. Bosch's "Garden of Delights"

I remember staring at that picture for a long long time. After Lateralus came out I realized it was the same artist.

[Boozy Eulogist]

That tree piece Gaia, was included in a somewhat crackpot short documentary. It was about the predictions found in Art. In that case....9/11. On the right side there are two towers and above them, two planes. In the same area a man who is tan skined is raising his fist, and near the middle two men who look very much like Bush and Dick are shaking hands with a giant penis aka making a deal with the devil.

While it's all BS in my book, it is pretty crazy seeing it in person after hearing all that...pretty accurate.

[plexus]

to all of you who call his artwork "mediocre" or whatever... or doesnt think he paints good or whatever... have you seen large versions of his paintings? like posters or his book transfigurations, or the real thing?.... im an artist, i paint, and i think hes amazing. i love his color too. fucking beautiful.

[gl0tch]

Yes. No. Sort of.

[gl0tch]

whoops, Yes, Yes, sort of.

[Sklander]

If Tool called on Alex Grey to do the art they must think he is worth having next to their name.

Saying that Alex Grey is obnoxious, arrogant or mediocre is just wrong. He is a successful artist and a wonderful one at that. Doesn't the man deserve some respect?

And saying that 10,000 days is going to be like Laterlalus because the art is the same... Think about that. That does not make any sense! Like Chub-aka, it does NOT MAKE SENSE!

[Chris_Brightwell]

Saying that Alex Grey is obnoxious, arrogant or mediocre is just wrong. Opinions, by their very definition, are incapable of being right or wrong.

[toolism]

Well I had the pleasure of meeting alex grey at his chapel of sacred mirrors and taking a drawing class with him...It was quite an experience to be drawing the same thing that Alex Grey was at the same time as him. However, some of the music he played during the hours of drawing was pretty disappointing...there was some good standard classic rock but also some annoying pop music...he was redeemed of course when the last song played was Lateralus which was quite amazing. Back to the question tho, until you see his work up close I don't think you can appreciate it as much, the detail is really unbelievable and I do think (aside from his taste in music) he is worthy of doing Tool albums.

[Zenith]

he's a genius, man. Like Kubrick and Pink Floyd. They just meet on a certain plane in a collaborative way.

[Sklander]

Opinions, by their very definition, are incapable of being right or wrong.

What are you basing your opinion on? Are you calling the man these things based on his art?

[dischordance]

I don't really know anything about art, I just know that Alex Grey does nothing for me.
But besides that, I think we're forgetting that the members within Tool themselves don't actually need outside artists. I like the music videos, the cover for Aenima is great, and I'd personally rather they represented their music themselves, instead of relying on this repetitive douche to do it for them.
Just me though.

[Boozy Eulogist]

instead of relying on this repetitive douche to do it for them.

I could play devil's advocate and easily call Adam's work repetitive as well.

[twan_deeth_ree]

I think they are a great artistic pairing. Saying the tone of the new album is different and therefore shouldn't be illustrated by AG is basically saying that the tone of AG's art is incapable of change. I see a wide range of emotion and expression in Mr. Grey's art, and I think this new(ish) piece reflects a much darker mood (like the new albums is said to have).

Also, there is definite precedent here. Pink Floyd used the same artist to illustrate/design the vast majority of their albums, and I think Storm Thorgerson's artwork added greatly to each album and its theme without "branding" it in any way.

[dracomordag]

I kind of like some of his stuff (Theologue, Wonder)

some of it's a little tired.

[chonus]

I like his work.

[Window Licker]

Man I can't believe so many people look at Alex Grey's work as "mediocre" and "obnoxious." This truly shocks me. The dude has an amazing talent and he is truly a visionary.

He's visionary because he does stuff like this (http://alexgrey.net/perf/polar.html).

The ideas that he tries to show us with art are all positive.

I think that this is his most positive work (http://alexgrey.net/happywin.html).

[fault]

He's visionary because he does stuff like this (http://alexgrey.net/perf/polar.html).



I think that this is his most positive work (http://alexgrey.net/happywin.html).

ha !

[WilliamGraves]

I'd suggest reading "The Mission of Art" before making any assumptions on Alex's ego etc.......

[comfortably_numb]

Opinions, by their very definition, are incapable of being right or wrong.

Is that your opinion?

[2and46]

(since Toolband has this art up now in relation to the new album, perhaps this wont be moved to rumors)

Let me begin by saying I enjoy Alex Grey's work. I also enjoy old tankha paintings, sand manadalas, and black light posters all the same.

That being said, what do you see in Mr. Grey's work? Why is it so good? Why does it deserve to be on another Tool record AGAIN? I'm just curious what some of you think since it seems the art historical / visual literacy here isnt much beyond Border's Books & Music, etc. Obviously his images have struck a chord (pardon the pun) with Tool fans on some level. Do we want that chord plucked twice? Is this because we are unwilling to accept change? That unwillingness seems rather un-Toolish (haha, there I said it)

My only concern is that his work is kinda "NAME BRAND." Though not necessarily a bad thing, I'm just not sure if this a/v collaboration is as beneficial as may appear on the surface. To be honest, its all starting to seem rather New Agey for me.

As an experiment, imagine if Tool grabbed an old Salvador Dali image for Lateralus (I only use him because I *know* everyone knows his work and he is about as colloquial and yet surreal as Alex Grey). Now imagine if they went and did it again for the new record. Would it still be as accepted on high?

I have my own answers to these questions.

Ever been to Sedona? I know Maynard's "vineyard" is near there, and many in the TOOL camp spend time in the area. The only reason I bring that up is "new agey" comment. Sedona is like the epicenter for new agers, and I've been there many times with my wife (honeymoon included). It makes sense that the atwork and even the music in some sense would reflect that interest. You make very good points and pose valid questions.

[Shyfted One]

Back to the question tho, until you see his work up close I don't think you can appreciate it as much

I completely agree. Not even prints do justice to the real thing at CoSM.

For those knocking his work based on incredibly small scale pictures on the net, I'd suggest actually SEEING his artwork before criticizing it. There's a difference between seeing a picture or a print of the work and actually standing in front of a piece taller than yourself where you can see every detail and brush stroke.

[mindstream]

Arrogance and mediocrity.

The only painting of his that I like is Theologue. The rest is ranges from pretentious to obnoxious, IMO.


I had the good fortune of meeting Alex Grey at the Radio City Music Hall concert in '02. In character, he is the farthest thing from arrogant that one can be...very humble, and surprisingly generous with his time...entertaining the musings from the likes of me and a few others.

[knot0fvipers]

Arrogance and mediocrity.

The only painting of his that I like is Theologue. The rest is ranges from pretentious to obnoxious, IMO.

no question!

theologue rocks but he has painted the same fucking things for 12 years now.

actually i will go a step further and say alex grey is like one of those indian gurus who maybe has something to say in the beginning but then is still taking your money 10 years later to give you "spiritual enlightenment".

tool need davidho.com

[hbynoe]

i thought that going with grey again is wonderful but
i would have prefered different art...or a different artist
with more fitting contributions to 10KD...i dont see
it as a match as it was with lateralus. i have seen his work
live in person and it is just wonderfully breathtaking but
unfit for 10KD..but what do i know..like all you i will be
indulging to the best of my ability on may 2 and i will tell you
what i really feel then, since it is all just speculation now.

[mike09]

tool need davidho.com

Some cool artwork on there.

[Window Licker]

Sedona is like the epicenter for new agers, and I've been there many times with my wife (honeymoon included). It makes sense that the atwork and even the music in some sense would reflect that interest.

It's a beautiful place that has been overrun with vortex-seeking, crystal-worshipping dipshits.

[Window Licker]

...he is the farthest thing from arrogant that one can be...very humble, and surprisingly generous with his time...entertaining the musings from the likes of me and a few others.

I read "arrogance" in that passage to mean artistic arrogance. That comes through in subject matter, style, and thing like that, not necessarily through personal meetings.

[confidereme]

umm, can anyone here do anything as good as his work?? no? kk, sit down now.

[Window Licker]

umm, can anyone here do anything as good as his work?? no? kk, sit down now.

No, but I criticize all sorts of things I can't make. All reasonably mature people do that. I can't make a car, but I judge among them, critique them, and choose. I can't make a house, but I judge among them, critique them, and choose. I can't make a TV, but I judge among them, critique them, and choose. I can't make clothes, but I judge among them, critique them, and choose.

The whole "you can't criticize it if you can't do better" line of argumentation is immature and impractical.

[confidereme]

No, but I criticize all sorts of things I can't make. All reasonably mature people do that. I can't make a car, but I judge among them, critique them, and choose. I can't make a house, but I judge among them, critique them, and choose. I can't make a TV, but I judge among them, critique them, and choose. I can't make clothes, but I judge among them, critique them, and choose.

The whole "you can't criticize it if you can't do better" line of argumentation is immature and impractical.

i'm pretty sure that you can put paint on a brush and then touch that brush to a canvas, no? give it a try.

take something you DO do, something you are slightly good at. compare yourself to someone you idolize in that category, someone that is really good at it. maybe this is you, maybe you are one of the best at what you do. don't you think that over the years of your accomplishments you would be reckognized for your talents? people that makes cars do it for a reason, people do what they are good at because people want them to do it... i just realized how little this matters at all, gg, you win. i'm completely impractical.

[Window Licker]

i'm pretty sure that you can put paint on a brush and then touch that brush to a canvas, no? give it a try.

I can stick some bike wheels on some 2x4s and make a "car," too. My argument stands: You don't have to be better than someone to criticize or judge their work.

[Idiotica]

he's helping make the vid for 'vicarious' apparently so expect more from Mr Grey and Tool.

[knot0fvipers]

http://www.wwwcomcom.com/

he mops the floor with alex grey on all levels.

[Garguantua]

I'm not an art expert or even a music expert. I like Tool's music quite a bit, and I get a lot out of it. I also like Alex Grey's art as well. If anything, being exposed to his art from the Lateralus record has been educational, and opened some doors to other artists that I have come to enjoy as well.

Now. People seem to have a problem with the continued relationship that Tool has with Alex's art. There is absolutely nothing wrong with continuing the themes, visual and musically, from Lateralus, Aenima, and Undertow. The eye motif has been with Tool since Aenima. I rather like that motif and variations thereof. Lots of bands use and develop common themes visually.

The band certainly has an affinity with the ideas of Mr. Grey. Why shouldn't they continue that?

People have said that this record is not a good enough progression from the last.
Well...visually speaking, I think they are progressing quite nicely. They have chosen to continue exploring those themes. There is a whole lot to explore with Alex's art.

[Pancthulhu]

Discovering Grey's work (as well as the art of Austin Osman Spare) had a huge impact on me artistically.

The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors is testament to the fact that installation art doesn't have to be false and pretentious.

[Peaceful Moments]

It surprised me that some many don't like Alex Grey's work, but hey to each his own, so I don't mind.
Cool to see some of you have met him. I only got the chance to e-mail with him, 3 times.
I really like Grey's work, discovered it via Lateralus and his work doesn't seem to bore me at all.
Does anyone here know Carey Thompson? Check out his site www.galactivation.com

[ID-entity]

You're kidding right?

Jesusfuckingchrist, what sort of hippie-hybrid dungeons & dragons lair do you people think Tool lives in?!?!

LOL! They probably live in this "lair" themselves. It's called their Mom's basement.

[agave21]

I think a lot of people are turned off by the complexity of Grey's art. I myself enjoy it much like Dali's work. I really like being able to catch certain imagery buried beneath the surface.

[gl0tch]

Discovering Grey's work (as well as the art of Austin Osman Spare) had a huge impact on me artistically.

The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors is testament to the fact that installation art doesn't have to be false and pretentious.


well thats not installation art. That's a collection of paintings.

[gl0tch]

www.galactivation.com[/url]


What is with all this kind of art looking the same?!?!
(and I dont buy the ubiquitous vision theory. that's just bullshit)

[supersloth]

At first I thought the choice of Alex Grey again wasn't fitting. But after seeing what they were doing with stereoscopic art thru the album's packaging and with the glasses it makes a lot more sense to me. I can't wait to see what Adam and Alex do with the video.

[praefector]

my postulation would be that tool use alex grey's work because it accurately reflects the music they make/want to make. the expansion of the mind; the liberation of the inner being

could be wrong though...and i really dont want to think about it. the band has every right to have whomever they like provide art for their albums -- same as we all have equal right to not like it.

what i see in his work, thematically, is a guy who got a little too into the pscyhotropics and probably lost a little brain usage. aesthetically though, his art is average in my opinion.

[Window Licker]

he's helping make the vid for 'vicarious' apparently so expect more from Mr Grey and Tool.

Let's predict when Tool and Alex Grey will (or did) jump the shark hand in hand.