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The selection above offers some recent works that perfectly demonstrate Maxon's unique sensibilities: at once bemused and profound. His works offers provocative insight into a powerful, but not prolific artist.

What's New with Maxon

Between his writing, nature hikes, and visits with friends and family (he had a very good meeting with Robert in San Francisco in October) Maxon finished the four new pencil drawing offered above. He is now hard at work on two more oil paintings.

Word Play sold out his last three paintings before they ever were announced on this site. If you are seriously interested in obtaining one of Maxon's rare oil paintings, let us know (wordplay@worldpassage.net) and we will send you advance notice of his next completed work(s).

Reading the Cosmic Wheel (above), Maxon's first archival art print, has gained enthusiastic public response. It is an exact, although slightly smaller (20" vs. 28" square) rendition of one of Maxon's most complex and moving creations. Printed in an edition of only 60, copies are still available.

photo by Jamie Stanek
Maxon Crumb on Market Street, San Francisco 2007

Born in 1945, Maxon Crumb is the youngest brother of Charles (deceased) and Robert Crumb. Although Maxon has been drawing, painting, and writing for over 25 years (early work appeared in Weirdo, Liquidator, and his self-published Crumb's Brother's Magazine), it is only since the publication of Maxon's Poe (Word•Play, 1997) and HardCore Mother (CityZen Books, 2001) his first novel, that his artistry has been accessible to a wide audience.

From 1997 Maxon has earned his living solely through art sales, book royalties, and private commissions. Despite his busy schedule he still takes time to enjoy long walks in the country and explore his inner self. He still meditates a few hours a week on the streets of San Franicsco. He works in the same resident hotel room in the city that he has rented for the past two decades.

Maxon's worldview is in his art. He is well versed in classic art and literature, as seen in his references to European masters and exotic images of Aztecan/Mayan architecture and sacrificial rituals. Suppressed sexual tension and curiosity are expressed in searching, sometimes graphically violent, compositions. Throughout his work runs a current of sophisticated, subliminal social commentary.

Maxon is a quiet genius; eccentric, perhaps, but practical aplenty (he's very computer savvy, for instance) to balance his creative gifts.

Word•Play is proud to offer the art of Maxon Crumb.