Creatures of Habit: The Art of Joe Ledbetter

For the first time, painter Joe Ledbetter best works have been compiled into one book. Influenced by classic animation, bold graphic design and the absurdity of daily life, Ledbetter's work is a visual feast. Creatures of Habit shows the evolution of Ledbetter's unique painting style over the past five years of his career, from 2003 - 2008. Ledbetter's paintings are populated with cute, cuddly cartoon characters placed in impossibly dire situations. In one painting, Mr. Bunny (a recurring character) tosses another rabbit off a cliff; in another, a brown fox hopelessly raises a tiny pink umbrella in a futile attempt to shield himself from the anvils, safes, and knives raining down on him from above. Ledbetter uses the juxtaposition of these images to cause the viewer to question whether they aren't taking life, and themselves, too seriously. Arranged chronologically, Creatures of Habit shows the development and evolution of the artist's ideas and craft. Ledbetter includes his favorite paintings from his many solo exhibitions; themed group shows such as I Am 8-Bit, and Crazy 4 Cult; and collaborations with fellow artists such as Nathan Jurevicius, Luke Chueh, and Greg "Craola" Simkins. Creatures of Habit contains many unseen pieces from private collections. With his emblematic black lines, vibrant colors, and endearing characters (such as Mr. Bunny), its easy to be lured in and fall in love with the world Ledbetter has created.