This is just to share a short video regarding an old portrait that I came across among my things. It was drawn and painted by Will Schaff during the time he lived in Baltimore back in the early and mid 1990s. I don’t recall exactly where we were when he drew me, but thanks to his notes on the reverse of the drawing, I recall some of what we were talking about. So strange to recall a casual conversation from nearly 30 years ago.
You probably know some of Will’s work. He’s done rather famous album covers for the likes of Okkervil River, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Brown Bird, and Songs: Ohia. I’ve linked a few pics from his Instagram feed below. I encourage you to check out his work and learn more.
I should note that Will was in many ways instrumental in helping me early in my musical journey. Whether it was through long conversations, four-track recording sessions, or just spending time taking in his artwork and taxidermy, I absorbed a lot in those days and owe him a debt of gratitude.
Conversations are a funny thing. They reside in your memory like shards of glass that have been swept up and filed on a shelf. When tracking through those shards, you need to watch your fingers. But also pay attention to the reflections they give up. You might find things from decades ago that are as familiar and as present as the day itself.