Joel Meadows has over three decades of experience as a journalist interviewing the great and the good in the comic and film industry and far beyond.
Face To Face represents a culmination of that experience in photographic form.
In the interests of full and honest disclosure I act as a frequent contributing writer to Joel's popular Tripwire website and magazine. Please be assured this brief review is offered without bias or favouritism.
This hardback book collates over thirty years worth of photos taken during lengthy interviews from Joel's career. They are a window into the soul of some of the names so often read in the credits boxes of comics or whilst reading an article about those many of the various creators we find interesting.
Joel has an eye for a hidden moment that encapsulates his subject. It is said a picture can say a thousand words, but in this case some say so much more.
Sadly this statement is much more profound in the case of those that have left us as is the case with novelist Iain Banks, or for many the original caped crusader Adam West. Regrettably there are others, and as time marches on there will perhaps be more.
Face To Face represents a time capsule of sorts. In an era of social media it reminds us all to vividly reconnect with the names or those we respect, or even indeed perhaps occasionally criticise online. It is a bold reminder that we are all human beings worthy of respect and decency. This book accomplishes something a thousand articles and interviews may fail at: To see beyond just the name.
It should not need to be said, but it feels like an increasing valid and important point to make. We are all more than our avatar or profile picture.
The added added quotes from Joel's experience add depth to each subject without distorting the value of the images on display.
It is a bold choice to decide to keep every image in black and white. A casual glance at the book may question this choice and it is a valid question.
Yet there seems to be something about black and white portrait photography that has always stood the test of time and proved more successful. Stripping away the technicolour of the background and the clothing allows a focus on the features of everyone at the end of Joel's carefully timed lens.
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The images I found of particular interest were of Dave Gibbons, Dave McKean and Simon Bisley. They show creators as they age through their careers whilst still retaining that creative spark behind their eyes.
Others include Walt and Louise Simonson, Grant Morrison and Phillip Pullman
The finest for me is the full page portrait of Bill Sienkiewicz.
This is a book everyone will appreciate differently perhaps depending on who in the book they are a particularly fan of following.
The book includes an Introduction by Liam Sharp. He is also featured and wisely states:
"Joel takes his photos at speed, almost - it sometimes feels - before you are quite ready! And that, I think, is what makes so many of these pictures disarming. The subjects themselves are disarmed, caught moments before their self consciousness can set faces into a a rictus grim, or well practiced façade."
Liam is absolutely correct and this is a book that is well worth your time.
To purchase a copy a link is provided below:
Face To Face: Creative Portraits | Tr&pwire1001