Featured Site: Prodigies by James G. Mundie

There is a raft of reasons for visiting this week's featured site, not least of which is the intriguing imagery and restrained technique of artist James G Mundie. Trained as a printmaker, James comments that ' I had originally conceived of this series as etchings - but lacked access to a print shop at the time. Subconsciously I must have still been thinking in terms of etching, because many have remarked on the line quality reminding them of the texture of aquatint. ' 'Prodigies' is weirdly spellbinding, juxtaposing familiar historical images and art with clever twists on the Victorian 'Freakshow'. Mundie is aware of the modern sensibilities which might misinterpret his art, which he explores in his discussion of the historical context. Individual pieces throughout the gallery are also accompanied by text with historical references.

The pieces on show in 'Prodigies' are all pen and ink drawings, executed with technical drawing pens (James' favorite being the "Pigma Micron" line produced by Sakura, which are both archival and lightfast) on 80lbs (130g/m) acid-free drawing paper. He sketches out the initial composition in pencil, then work up the drawings with minute hatching and stippling.

Afficionados of good web design will also enjoy the Victorian slideshow metaphor sustained throughout the website, which is beautifully presented without sacrificing ease of navigation.