Ever since the first time I heard Neutral Milk Hotel's
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, I was blown away the surreal wonder of the imagery that Jeff Mangum employs in his music. Over the years of repeated listens, certain ideas stuck and grew with me, and quietly insisted to be brought to life.
I found the perfect opportunity in Gayle Donahue's drawing class this semester. Ambitiously I planned to tackle the entire project in six short weeks. Despite thorough planning, it was soon clear that this simply was not possible. What I did end up with, though, are three pieces I can stand behind, that hopefully represent the beginning of a long and fruitful investigation.

"Two-Headed Boy"
9" x 20"; acyrlic ink & technical pen
on watercolor paper
"Communist Daughter"
9" x 20"; acyrlic ink on watercolor paper

"Oh Comely" (Part One)
9" x 20"; acyrlic ink on watercolor paperI embraced vivid imagery of Anne Frank in her various incarnations. I loved the idea of her as a symbol of birth, youth, and then reincarnation. I found the repeated, cyclical motif of birth, youth, sexuality, death and rebirth as a source of inspiration and organization, and I hope to further use them to unify the series.
Time allowing, I'd love to ultimately finish the project and illustrate the entire album as I envision it. It's a long-term goal, but I can see how it could be a powerful catalyst for my own growth and learning in the process.