Cover art reveal for the next piano improv opus

Visual art and musical art create connections. No wonder cover art can be so inviting to the music “inside”.

Revealing

Since the advent of musical recordings, cover art has been a beautiful connection to the auditory through visuals. Whether the cover is a photo of the musician(s) or abstract paintings, the image you see there is often your first connection with the music.

My album, EP, suite, and singles covers have often been a photo that I captured. While this simplifies the attribution and rights questions, it can get a bit one sided. Or a better metaphor might be monotonous.

As I started to create and master the recordings for my next album, I explored options for the cover art. I was uncertain how to find exactly what I wanted. At the same time, I had a sense that the solution would present itself.

Cover

I often admire the work of visual artists. Helene Brennan was certainly a painter and artist whose works caught my eye. She has a broad set of subjects, but with many focusing on natural features in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe.

My first encounter with Helene’s art was on Mastodon. This new-to-me social network has proven to be a source of much inspiration. (I’ll share more of those in subsequent blog posts.) Still, I never expected it to lead to cover art.

Helene’s paintings immediately captured my imagination. And when I saw her “Piano Hands”, I was even more deeply inspired. So, I reached out to her asking if I could get permission to use it as an album cover and she graciously accepted.

Art

Brennan’s “Piano Hands” has the kind of warmth I’m hoping you feel when you listen to “The Piano In The Dining Room”. Thanks for following along here. And thank you for any way that you can honor Helene Brennan and her artwork.