The Making of "Sun in a Box"
directed by Dan Taylor
Photos
before
"Escape Hatch Studios" was built in 2007 as Rob Taylor's personal studio. It is where he records and produces all of his current music.
Come Down Never
(EP realesed in 2010)
1. Where I Belong 2. Catching My Balance
3. Fight to Wake 4. My Lullaby
Sun in a Box
(released in 2009
1. Who Will Dare 2. Legendary 3. Share the Night 4. Sun in a Box 5. 23 Summertimes 6. 88 Keys 7. i Shine 8. Other Side of Me 9. This Room Spins 10. In His Car 11. Reach Out 12. So This is the End
Under the Star
Christmas single
(released in 2009)
ART
Album Cover Artwork
Mixed Media
Promotional Designs
Click the album covers to view full-size. Click the button directly
below each allbum to learn about the artistic process for each work.
ABOUT
"Sun in a Box"
Cover Art by:
MADART
2009
"Come Down Never"
Steven Corey Egbert
and Rob Taylor
2010
"Under the Star"
BACK TO "ART" HOME
I closed my eyes and envisioned what the cover art for my new EP Come Down Never would look likehot air balloon weighted to the ground, cloud billboard, guy with telescope. Three minutes later I contacted one of my favorite artists, Steven Corey. Yes, the very same artist who created the inspiring image featured on the cover of my Christmas single, Under the Star.
I let him in on the glimpses I had seen and sent him a hilarious mock-up sketched in pencil and colored with crayon. I told him I was going for vivid and iconic! Based on the sketch, it might have seemed like a lofty goal for one without vision, but I knew my faith in Steven Corey was well-placed.
As you may or may not know, Im deeply connected to the artwork of my musical projects. This being the case, I thought it would be creatively rewarding to try my hand at an artistic collaboration of sorts. From our first conversation, Steven Corey and I discussed my interest in becoming involved creatively and adding my touches to the art. As a photographer and graphic designer myself, this prospect was enticing because it would allow me to build on what he would establish with a mutual goal to get as close as possible to my original vision.
Well, Steven Corey got it and had me a draft the next day! What I had envisioned was quickly coming to life in a way that was both familiar and surprising. What struck me first was his old-school engineered circular hot air balloon and basket. An element relevant to that design was a net which made for a very visually interesting treat. Also, the figure he created to pilot the balloon bears a strong resemblance to, um, me -- which I guess is fitting and certainly amusing to see. I would be remiss if I didnt say how much I adore Steven Coreys humans. What I mean to say is that despite his wide range of artistic styles, his human subjects carry with them innocence, emotional weight and a certain posture that (in my opinion) is a signature to his pieces. The clouds were perfect and looked as if they had come straight out of one of my best daydreams. I also loved his billboard frame and the way the clouds were lit by the spotlights. When he sent me his files, I knew I had all the elements I needed; thats when it became my turn.
I added my ideas such as the anchor and chain, the final version of the circular balloon (with Steven Coreys net), the grass, some background elements including the rainbow path and sketched texture designs, and the logos. I also tweaked the overall brightness, contrast, shading and colors. My final touch was adding spikes to my hair in the front just in case anyone had any doubt that this figure was indeed me.
After untold hours on both of our parts, our work was complete! I cant quite sum up in a short length of words how rewarding this project has been. Working and collaborating with Steven Corey is amazing and I continue to be in awe of his unique abilities and brilliant work.
You might be wondering what the meaning behind the cover-art is? That, I will leave somewhat ambiguous and wide open to your interpretations; like a poetic lyric (or the series finale of Lost) I will say that if you know me, or if you have really listened to the overarching themes in many of my songs lyrics, you will get it.
Many thanks to Steven Corey for his vision and for helping to make a truly vivid and iconic album cover a reality.
To see more of Steven Coreys art, read his blog, or contact him - please visit:
http://www.stevencoreyart.blogspot.com/
BACK
www.stevencoreyart.blogspot.com
The revelation that I needed to commission an artist to paint the cover for “Sun in a Box” hit hard. I immediately began searching obsessively to try to find the perfect fit for my vision. This was, after all, the very face of my project representing a nearly two-year musical labor of love. After days of sifting, I finally found an artist named Megan Duncanson “MADART” whose art inspired me on a different level than all the others, a level that connected effortlessly with the themes and emotions expressed in my music. This was the artist that I needed to contact. I sent Megan the title track, “Sun in a box”, and asked her to translate its themes into an original work of art in keeping with her beautifully unique style. Thankfully she agreed. Not only did she agree, but she was excited about the creative process of melding art and music in such a meaningful way. I consider her interpretation of my song a masterpiece. She captured and exceeded my vision. Below are Megan Duncanson’s own words describing her work . .
“I played the song as I was painting, and the words “sun in a box” had such a visual image and meaning to me I needed to express it in the most visual way I could and still maintain an aura of mystique. I feel as though the box is a portal into a world where we can be free to express ourselves in our own special way... “A window into our soul” The verse “a dream in the air” was another part of the song that drew me in and kept coming back to me. As I painted the branches they naturally flowed, floating through the air, reaching towards something we can’t see, a dream that’s just out of reach. The birds are an element that is very much present in many of my paintings, particularly my Signature Style. So when I heard the lyrics: “With my wings tied to my own hands” I knew I had to place some of my “birds” into the painting, as a representation of my art and at the same time the freedom to be released from the ties that bind us and soar above that which holds us back. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be inspired by such a beautiful and deeply emotional song.”
All the Best, Megan
The signed original “Sun in a Box” on canvas hangs in my home in Connecticut. Please click the link below to visit MADART’s website where you can view and purchase her brilliant art.
WWW.MADARTGALLERY.NET
I am pleased to release the beautiful album art for, "Under the Star", my new Christmas single. This art was created by the young and gifted artist, Steven Corey Egbert from Lehi, Utah. Corey and I have known each other for years, but it has only been fairly recently that I've discovered his unique and imaginative abilities as an artist.
I had been looking for the opportunity to commission Corey to create something associated with my world, so as soon as I began thinking seriously about recording my Christmas song, I thought of him. I clumsily told him the concept I imagined and before I had recorded note one of my song, Corey sent me this amazing cover-art. I feel, like the song, it simply and reverently testifies of the birth of Jesus Christ from the perspective of an onlooker. It makes me wonder what I would feel if I could have witnessed that event.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that in a way this art helped to motivate me and solidify my decision to release this song. It was inspiring to foresee what the end result would look like even before I started! I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to work with Corey and am looking forward to seeing great works of his in the future.
To see more of Steven Corey Egbert’s art, check out his blog using the link below.
