“The specter of loneliness and aging is a through-line here, too, brilliantly visualized by artist Marq Spusta’s gorgeous cover, which shows a pair of fuzzy, unmistakably J-like creatures– one big, one tiny– using a sea monster’s back for an island. (Mascis had a son in 2007.) Though dour, Mascis’ sleeve avatar is also kind of cute. Several Shades of Why gives us that softer, gentler J Mascis. But it’s not kids’ stuff– these are lullabies for adults, offered up with a compassion that doesn’t come easy.”
that’s been asked by others . . .I never actually seen never-ending story. So no, not direct inspiration from that movie, but there’s plenty of old turtle myths that fit both.
Thanks for the reply.Isn’t that what makes a picture actual art, different meanings/ interpretations for different people? Learned that in art 101 in college! Anyway, really enjoy your work..I just posted a few of my framed prints on your fb page.
Gave the vinyl copy to my son for his 16th today. He commented that he really liked the artwork on the album. I looked at and said it looks like a Spusta piece. We ended up hitting the old google machine and ended up here. Classic album and classic art.
(From Pitchfork’s Record Review:)
“The specter of loneliness and aging is a through-line here, too, brilliantly visualized by artist Marq Spusta’s gorgeous cover, which shows a pair of fuzzy, unmistakably J-like creatures– one big, one tiny– using a sea monster’s back for an island. (Mascis had a son in 2007.) Though dour, Mascis’ sleeve avatar is also kind of cute. Several Shades of Why gives us that softer, gentler J Mascis. But it’s not kids’ stuff– these are lullabies for adults, offered up with a compassion that doesn’t come easy.”
http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15211-several-shades-of-why/
art prints signed by J available: https://marqspusta.com/products/several-shades-of-why-art-print/
Beautiful poster,top top notch
Any conncection to the turtle from Neverending Story?
that’s been asked by others . . .I never actually seen never-ending story. So no, not direct inspiration from that movie, but there’s plenty of old turtle myths that fit both.
Thanks for the reply.Isn’t that what makes a picture actual art, different meanings/ interpretations for different people? Learned that in art 101 in college! Anyway, really enjoy your work..I just posted a few of my framed prints on your fb page.
#2 on the Best Album Covers of 2011 List from Paste Magazine
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2011/12/the-50-best-album-covers-of-2011.html
congrats on the well deserved awards good sir, wish I’d grabbed this one when I had the chance! cheers
Gave the vinyl copy to my son for his 16th today. He commented that he really liked the artwork on the album. I looked at and said it looks like a Spusta piece. We ended up hitting the old google machine and ended up here. Classic album and classic art.