I first became aware of the music of Dean Brantley Taylor when I was writing a blog called Chronically Inspired, on using the arts to rise above chronic health conditions. He contacted me about his songwriting, which he carried on in spite of his health concerns — he’s the only musician I know who’s written songs about Chronic Fatigue. Later he sent me links to work he was doing with his band Mad July.
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| Marc Blackwell, Dean B Taylor and Juliet Lyon |
In December, he told me about a video project and asked if I’d like to do some illustrations for one of the songs on Mad July’s new CD Riding Gravity. It’s a wonderful collection of music, with a gutsy sound and captivating lyrics. I liked the rocking sound of Never Going Back to the Gravity and I loved the lyrics which Juliet Lyons delivers beautifully.
Gravity and I have always had a contentious relationship, which I curse regularly from whatever patch of ground I happen to fall on. I am also a daydreamer, and am often on flights of fancy that aren’t earthbound. Flying through to new worlds and horizons captivated me.
I did a series of watercolors in a 6.5″ X 11″ size to fit the video format. It took me about 3 months to complete — I was working on other jobs and I’m slow. Dean was incredibly patient and he put together a smashing video that has now debuted. You can see it on YouTube:
I love how he animated things but the paintings themselves are given lots of time for their moment in the spotlight.
If you go to the Mad July Facebook page, comment and share the video, you’ll be entered into a contest to win: The Never Going Back to the Gravity original painting, a Mad July CD or a Mad July album download. Remaining paintings from the video are now for sale at my etsy shop, if you’re interested. You can also contact me directly at joyzmailbox at gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by and keep flying!
I’m linking this post to my friends at Paint Party Friday where there’s always lots of links for art.
And thanks to my friends and neighbors at Bridge Meadows who provide me with inspiration and internet.
joy murray art~stories~life 
Wonderful post full of hope and inspiration! Valerie
Great post, full of hope and joy. Happy PPF, Annette x
http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
Love your pieces and how wonderful that you got this gig. Way to go, congrats!
Cool collaboration! Thank you for sharing, visiting, and hope you have a lovely weekend!
joy, your paintings are wonderful and fit right in the video so well. My old ears could not distinguish the words of the song except the last two lines about reality and the gravity. I'm sure it's just age but the background music drowns out the words for me. I loved seeing the paintings and how he animated them.
Amazing….you should be so proud…this is a phenomenal video…I love how it turned out!! Your art fits in so perfectly…good job all around for everyone!!
Hugs Giggles
Uplifting art and lyrics. I was talking to my students today about dreaming I could fly. Your art helped my dream come true! I especially love the piece with the girl reaching up and touching the orange ball(moon? Sun? a planet?). Really cool animation! Congrats!
Your paintings are lovely. What a great collaboration. The video is great. Thanks for your visit and lovely comments.
really beautiful paintings and message Joy. Thanks for sharing -I love the song!!
I've never seen anything quite like this video and the way your remarkable paintings came alive with the wonderful music. Absolutely first rate. I love the painting here, it's so alive and full of happiness.
Joy this is fabulous. Your talent deserves an outlet as wonderful as this.
I too have a “relationship” with gravity. Ha ha ha. My nieces use to call me peacock woman from all the green and blue bruises. I am typing one handed today and not moving well at all, just wanted to thank you.
Have a great weekend
Nicole/Beadwright
Your paintings for this video project are wonderful 🙂
Gorgeous artwork, Joy!
Huge congrats with your beautiful illustrations. They suit the music so well. Thank you for sharing.
Delicious creation, charming, magical fun!
Such great pieces, full of life and joy!
What a terrific project! And congratulations on seeing it through, my goodness. I will say if I might that some of the flashing light of the background in the video was a little hard on my eyes, but mine are sensitive. 🙂
Great job on the art and congrats on having your art in a video!
This is truly inspirational JOY!!!! Really I am super glad and excited for you 😀
They look wonderful…have to play the video, couldn't help commenting first…Great going girl!
Loads of luv
Deepa
http://deepazworld.blogspot.ae/
The song is awesome and your art too is fantastic, Joy!!!
Congratulations dear 😀
WOW! I love the energy and spirit of hope in the music and your stunning paintings. Congratulations and may your work continue to bring blessings to the world.
These paintings are wonderful and fit the song so well! I love how they radiate joy and movement.
What beautiful artworks and energy! It looks like an excellent project!
WOW! HOW amazing is that!! And what a wonderful collaboration – looks brilliant! xoox
That video is fabulous and your paintings a beautiful. It was worth the time it took.
Von.
That's amazing! Love the video and your paintings are fabulous! 🙂