THE DIVINE CRIMSON V and ILLUMINATED LYRICS 

My work as a musician and a visual artist are closely linked and one enhances the other. 

As artist-in-residence for the Victoria University Music Department I've been working on campus at Kindred Studios Yarraville, writing and recording new musical works. The result is the new album 

THE DIVINE CRIMSON V and a series of ILLUMINATED LYRICS

To assist the creative process of songwriting and prepare for recording, I ‘paint out’ the lyrics to the songs in a visual diary with pictures, decorative borders and production notes. These ‘lyric sketches’, made in water colour, ink, gold leaf, pen and pencil become integral to the life of the musical works. Song lyrics are often finished as I paint them out. In the recording studio the lyric sketch book is physically present and becomes a vital part of the process, used as a tool to communicate ideas to the musicians and engineer. Below are some pages from my lyric sketch book. These have been further developed into a series of finished 'Illuminated Lyrics' to accompany each song on the album 'The Divine Crimson V.' Inspired by the art of William Blake, Medieval illuminated manuscripts from Europe and the Middle East, Chinese calligraphy and watercolours, vintage tattoos and wild west posters. 

Painted 'Sunbird' banjo ukulele with lyrics on fretboard (right) 

NEW ILLUMINATED LYRIC BOOK can be purchased from the shop

For enquiries regarding collaborations or special commissions contact Sherry

All images copyright Sherry Rich