A disturbing image inspired by 16th C. Italian anatomist Vesalius. Now, a decade later, this mightn't be so disturbing anymore.

I received my advance copies of the novel that I designed and illustrated the cover for! It's an excellent story about Louisiana being hit by the Hurricane almost 5 years ago - and its terrible aftermath. The cover has a quote by Bishop Desmond Tutu - recommending the novel. Theres also been talk of a presentation at the Whitehouse and even a foreword by Michelle Obama.

The writer is Maeve McMahon. She actually lived through the disaster herself and saw the school she helped to set up, and that she worked in - washed away.

Two previously submitted designs weren't hitting the mark so my services were called upon. The book and its cover was being judged by Louisiana people - including the black community. I've been pretty ignorant of the culture there but the finished cover has received a big big stamp of approval. It was a very enjoyable and satisfying piece to work on and the conversations I had with the author and the many doodles and sketches I produced helped me to eventually, finally hit that mark.

The eureka moment was at 2am as I read the book. I suddenly wondered what shape a corrugated cardboard box would make if opened out. This item was the first piece of comfort the protagonists experienced in days following the initial storm and flood. As it happened - it didn't make a cross but with a little judicial tearing I was able to achieve an impression of it - subtly. Maeve's an Irish nun and she says the book has a strong spiritual element. I managed to hint at this but without putting too much weight on it.