Liverpool born Clive Barker is not only known for his literary work, but also as a film director, artist, play writer, comic book writer, as well as his involvement with video game design and collectable modes. He began his impressive artistic career with the creation of The Dog Company which put on a number of strange and increasingly dark plays. Following this Barker penned a number of dark and twisted horror novels, novellas and short stories. Not wishing to limit himself to just one genre, Barker then explored fantasy and children’s fiction, as well as touching upon other areas in his novels, such as with romance.
Outside of his literary work Barker has directed a number of films which have spun off his written work – the most notable being with ‘Hellraiser’ (1987), ‘Nightbreed’ (1990) and ‘Candyman’ (1992).
Alongside this Barker is also a highly-productive artist, predominantly using oils on canvas as well as with pen and ink studies. Indeed, his more recent ‘Abarat’ novels have included vast numbers of full-colour oil paintings to illustrate the scenes and characters within the pages of this imaginative children’s series.
Although Barker has struggled with his health over recent years, his output has continued to be incredibly impressive; with so many ideas and projects in the pipeline at any given time that it’s hard not to remain in a perpetual state of eager anticipation.
The man is a legend. Through his work Barker has explored almost every nook and cranny of our world and that of the worlds his imagination has created. Whether his urge is for pain, sorrow, anger, greed or lust; or for love, longing, passion or joy – Barker magnifies the emotions of his characters and his readers to a heart-wrenching effect.
No one writes like Barker. His imagination seems almost limitless. His energy never-ending. And his output always of the highest calibre.
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