In Holy Rattlesnakes

one artist’s experience of the Neutral Milk Hotel album: In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, as told in pictures & film

A year ago, I felt pulled to illustrate a story that expresses my profound experience listening to music. Specifically, I was called to capture the Neutral Milk Hotel album: In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. When the project began, I envisioned an illustrated book. However it became clear that format was inadequate because I wanted to create an immersive experience with the music. So I collaged the art into a film - choosing this technique because it allows me to illustrate the layered, duplicity, and dualities that exist in human beings and to show how these aspects vary in their opacity and overlap.  

Allow yourself to watch and feel the non-linear story of the human condition.  Let it wash over you.  You don't have to align with a specific plotline, understand character development, or follow a narrative.  Instead, just allow yourself to experience this with all of your senses.  Allow yourself to feel emotion well up without needing to define or understand it.  Allow yourself to be led on a journey,  in the aeroplane over the sea.

“This piece was absolutely amazing!! You are a treasure!!!”

— my completely biased friend

“That show was amazing! I keep seeing the carousel and the kelp, and hearing the music. It transported me to another place and I loved it.”

— a friend who is absolutely partial to me, my art, and everything I do. 

“What a beautiful experience! Thank you for sharing it with us.”

— completely subjective opinion of my friend who skews judgements in my favor. 

here is just a small glimpse into the film ….