Album artwork and photography for Michelle Velvin

Michelle Velvin is a Wellington based harpist, composer and teacher, and in 2026 she was preparing to release her first solo album To Let the Light In. I was honoured to be asked to collaborate with Michelle on her album cover design. We worked closely together on a variety of different styles and treatments. Her music was the ultimate source of inspiration: the sonic landscape pulled us in the visual direction of forests, grottos, light, whispers and magic.

The concept soon evolved into a whimsical photography shoot that we did together in Trelissick Park at the end of June. I found some small doors that would be perfect for hiding in nooks and crannies of a forest floor, and my husband helped me paint them a warm yellow that matched Michelle's front door and mailbox. With a couple of lights, my Nikon and our cold weather gear, Michelle and I were soon crouching down in the mud and arranging twigs and leaves to create compositions that felt like discovering a warm little musical secret. It was a fun day getting our hands dirty in the name of art and I am so proud of the images we created together for her first album.

"To Let the Light In" was released 2 October 2026 on Oro Records.