Behind the Artwork of Teeth / The Ghost

The artwork for Teeth / The Ghost was created by a long-time friend and creative, Luke Ruiz-Snyder. A collage/mixed media artist from Chicago, Ruiz-Snyder is the artist behind the Instagram account Birds and Baseball.

When we were talking about this project, we threw a ton of different ideas at the wall to see what would stick. Luke and I talked about the challenges of being a new husband and mental health. We talked about loving our families and our mutual infatuation with birds.

How it happened: Luke and I stayed in contact while we were recording and I would send him updated mixes throughout the process. I had sent him 6 or 7 different photos to cut up or destroy as he felt inclined. He delivered a piece that spoke to the heart of the music.

From Luke on the art: The overall view was simply based on aesthetics but I think there’s an added depth to it, too. Chaz and the bird are perceived to be flying (obviously), but as you look deeper there’s the ocean floor- the opposite of where you are. As you occupy two places, you realize your worldview has been expanded because of who you are with. Your family is the ocean, and while you are flying they are keeping you grounded and reminding you of your place, everywhere.

See more on the process below: