July 18th 2024.
Exciting news for fans of Billy Connolly – a new book featuring a collection of his artwork and stories is set to hit shelves later this year! Published by John Murray Press, "The Accidental Artist" will be available on October 24th and will showcase 200 of Connolly's stunning artworks, accompanied by his trademark witty and heartfelt storytelling.
This isn't the first time Connolly has teamed up with John Murray Press, with his three previous books – "Tall Tales & Wee Stories," "Windswept & Interesting," and "Rambling Man" – all becoming major bestsellers, selling over two million copies combined. In "The Accidental Artist," Connolly offers a glimpse into his childhood and his love for Scotland, as well as his travels to far-off places. His passion for music, wildlife, and fashion is also evident in his artwork.
But how did Connolly's journey as an artist begin? As he puts it, it all started by accident. While on tour in Montreal a few years ago, he found himself seeking shelter from the rain in an art store. He ended up leaving with a sketchbook and a bunch of felt-tip pens, and the rest, as they say, is history. "My drawings started by accident," Connolly explains. "I've never looked back. People think I paint or draw things on purpose, but I just draw. It's a portal for my imagination, and just like my stand-up comedy, I never know where it will lead."
Through his elegant and simple lines, Connolly creates a world filled with fantastic beasts, mysterious inventions, and moments of peaceful tranquility. John Murray Press describes his drawings as both charmingly simple and complex, strange, and rebellious. To coincide with the book's release, a new BBC Arts documentary will also be broadcast, featuring an intimate interview with Connolly, personal archives, and rarely seen performances.
And for fans looking to catch a glimpse of Connolly's early days as a performer, the BFI has re-released the documentary "Billy Connolly: Big Banana Feet," which follows his groundbreaking tour of Dublin and Belfast in 1975. Nick Davies, Connolly's editor at John Murray Press, expressed his excitement about working with the beloved comedian on his trilogy of Christmas bestsellers and describes "The Accidental Artist" as a "beautiful explosion of art, wild imagination, and storytelling."
If you can't wait to get your hands on "The Accidental Artist," make sure to check out more culture stories here and subscribe to Scottish Field to read the latest issue. With such a talented and multifaceted artist like Billy Connolly, we can't wait to see what he has in store for us next.
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