One of my most recent artistic endeavours was another collaboration with Jack Meille to create a cover for his single 'Another Day'. As always it was a pleasure to once again be asked to create something which encapsulates Jack's music.
When Jack first played me the song I listened
with no knowledge or context of the songs origins. But the mood and
lyrics made we think of a despairing wish or prayer, a desperate hope.
Immediately I had the idea of an Ex Voto with the iconic flaming heart
at its centre, but also like so many antique silver ex votos there is a
certain mimicry of nature, with flowers and foliage decorating what is
being prayed for.
I wanted to take this to the extreme, make it over the top and outlandish and have this
heart surrounded by nature and a visual representation of the hope that was being sought. And in
amongst this man made mimicry of nature is the truth, reality, real
nature and beauty, proving that the wish can come true.
After proposing my idea I got the enthusiastic go ahead from Jack. Who
it turned out had written this song during the pandemic during a deep
dark point, meaning my instinctual interpretation was remarkably
accurate. And much of my chosen imagery, especially the heart, more relevant than I could have realised.
The choice of the Ex Voto was not something contrived, or even considered. It was merely instinct. In modern Catholic cultures the ex voto is generally seen as something giving thanks for a wish or prayer having been granted. Yet outside of Jack's native Italy, my knowledge, understanding and exposure to ex voto was more as a wish, something offered up for protection, for healing, a miracle. Which was more the intention of the meaning rather than the strictly catholic approach (as neither of us are catholic). A heart offered up for love and desire.
The critters chosen to quietly accentuate the largely monochromatic piece were two snails, my eternal nod to my favourite film 'The Wicker Man' (1973) and a mint moth. For little more reason than I see the pretty little fellows in my garden, and to add a splash of colour.
Check out 'Another Day' via the link below. Listen to the lyrics, there’s so much in there that most of us can relate to from those alien times and how we dealt with it. An emotive and beautiful song it was an honour to illustrate.
