ARTWORK
The artwork and design for my album, Blue Wooden Boat, has received a lot of praise and interest, so I thought I’d offer some insight into how it came about. It started with my desire to do a larger lino carving of a woman travelling solo in a blue wooden boat. I was inspired by the paintings of John William Waterhouse and Quan Yin, the Goddess of Compassion.
I tried carving out the positive, carving out the negative, rolling with white paint and rolling with blue.
My third approach was the charm.
The full, larger print.
DESIGN
I then worked with Paul Dennis of Paul Dennis Design to create an elegant and striking design for the album’s cover, inlay and 12 page booklet.
Paul took sections of my print, enhanced them, inverted them and used the individual images in interesting and beautiful ways I would never have thought to do.
From a file Paul supplied I was able to create an image for my single release.
Paul even helped me turn my hand drawn logo for my independent label into a digital design.
PHOTOGRAPHY
One of the things I dabble with in my spare time is portrait photography, so admittedly I’m a bit picky when it comes to finding my own photographers.
I wanted to create a particular aesthetic in the inlay and booklet that would compliment the album’s artwork and design and tie it all together. I was very glad to find Diana Abeleda.
I am very pleased with the final results.
Like to have a copy in your hands? You can BUY THE ALBUM HERE. Lush and mellow, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a cold drink at sunset or a glass of wine by the fire.
Here’s what some others have had to say about it:
“A gorgeous emotional journey…Hughes demonstrates powerful vulnerability…enhanced by stunning, soulful vocals…not only does Blue Wooden Boat have something for everyone but it will open and heal those parts of your heart that need it most.”
– Musical Notes Global (New York)
“Nothing short of spectacular…a song cycle that will have enduring appeal”
– Around the Sound (Perth, Aust)
“A hint of Eva Cassidy’s vocal versatility and interpretive powers…(Aminah’s) own songs of nature and self-examination enchant…”
– The Weekend Australian (Aust)
“A wonderful ability to invoke realms of magic and beauty.”
– Scenestr (Melb, Aust)
Thank you for checking out what Paul, Diana and I created to compliment this album.
The photography for the album also ties in with the music video for Blue Wooden Boat, which you can watch below.
