Mike Hinge – ‘Word Jazz’ illustration, date unknown

(25.3 x 25.3 mm, assorted paper and print on board).

Unpublished design for Ken Nordine’s ‘Word Jazz’ album, possibly a portfolio piece.

Blurb from the sale at the time of sale (2004): “From the estate of artist Mike Hinge, we are offering this unusual example of concept art for an intended album cover for the music of Ken Nordine – Ken Nordine Word Jazz. Hinge was a follower and fan of underground and ‘fringe’ music groups, so it is unknown whether he produced this cover art graphic as part of a commercial assignment, or for a proposed cover that he might have created to solicit work. we are not familiar with Nordine’s early album cover art, so we don’t know if this design was actually used (published) or not. But from the design, we would guess this was created in the late 50s to 60s. The artwork is 10″ x 10″ , paste up design and is in fine shape, kept under plastic since it was created. the piece is part of a large group of original advertising and illustrative artworks to be auctioned from the Hinge estate, all at no reserve. No rights of reproduction come with this sale.”

We represented Mike in the sales of his original sf art until his death in August of 2003, and now are agent for all that remains in his estate, which includes artwork spanning his 45 years as a professional artist and graphic designer. Early in his illustration career he worked for the largest ad agency in New Zealand (where he grew up) before moving to Los Angeles, where he attended the Art Center of the College of Design. In 1966 he moved to Manhattan, where he worked as an art director for several ad agencies. His graphic designs were notable, and his always colorful and psychedelic illustrations appeared on numerous science fiction magazines during the 1970s, including Analog, Fantastic, and Amazing, and on paperback books. Hinge also did design work for 2001: A Space Odyssey and produced illustrations for mainstream publications like Time magazine, including covers featuring Richard Nixon and Emperor Hirohito. He was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist in 1973, plus nominated for 6 Locus awards in the ’70