Nothing in the publishing industry seems to get accomplished very quickly, and it has been quite a struggle these past couple of years trying to get this project off the ground. I have met with countless literary agents, editors and publishers from all over the world to pitch this idea, and although my proposal was met with a lot of enthusiasm, no one was actually willing to put up the necessary financial commitment to publish it. It's a very awkward time in the publishing industry, with sales of actual printed books beginning to be eclipsed by digital books. Many publishers feel squeamish about the risks involved in funding and releasing a large format, lavishly illustrated coffee table book, as too many of them fail to recoup their investment. With all of the present uncertainty regarding the future, the publishing business is not really known these days for its boldness or willingness to take risks.
Though the entire process has been frustrating at times, I never gave up and always felt strongly that it was just a matter of time until I found the right publisher who would possess the experience, reputation, and resources necessary to produce and distribute a book of this scope and ambition.
I am extremely happy to be able to report that the book has finally found a home, and is scheduled for a May 2015 release from GOFF BOOKS, an imprint of the prestigious ORO EDITIONS.
Nearly 300 artists from 50 different countries have signed permission releases to allow their Mona Lisa-derived artwork to be included in this book, guaranteeing that this will be the largest, most comprehensive collection of Mona Lisa-inspired artwork ever assembled in history.
The book is scheduled for release May 12th, 2015, and is already available for pre-order on Amazon and other online retailers:
