Although I drew a ton as a child, I had not properly exercised the talent as an adult until, about seven years ago, when I went on an absolute drawing rampage. It was just a few weeks long but by the time it was over, I had drawn portraits of all of my musical idols.
I remember it vividly. I had gone home for Christmas and for whatever reason, felt compelled to create with my hands. With that, I holed myself up in my parents’ basement and listened to Counting Crows’ August and Everything After on endless repeat – this portrait of Adam Duritz, the lead singer of Counting Crows, is just one of the many portraits created during that haze. I call it, Think of Heaven.
RAIN KING
When I think of heaven,
Deliver me in a black-winged bird
I think of flying down into a sea of pens and feathers
and all other instruments of faith and sex and God
In the belly of a black-winged bird
Don’t try to feed me
I’ve been here before and I deserve a little moreI belong in the service of the Queen
I belong anywhere but in between
She’s been crying
I’ve been thinking
And I am the Rain KingMama, why am I so alone?
I can’t go outside
I’m scared I might not make it home
I’m alive but I’m sinking in
If there’s anyone at home at your place
Why don’t you invite me in
Don’t try to bleed me
I’ve been there before and I deserve a little moreI belong in the service of the Queen
I belong anywhere but in between
She’s been lying
I’ve been sinking
And I am the Rain KingHey, I only want the same as anyone
Henderson is waiting for the sun
Oh, it seems night endlessly begins and ends
After all the dreaming I come home again…When I think of heaven
Deliver me in a black-winged bird
I think of dying Lay me down in a field of flame and heather
Render up my body into the burning heart of God
In the belly of a black-winged bird
Don’t try to bleed me
I’ve been here before and I deserve a little moreI belong in the service of the Queen
I belong anywhere but in between
She’s been dying
I been drinking and I am the Rain King.