A new collaboration between Harpswell artist John Mishler and Maine-based band Human Moods stemmed from a chance meeting — not about art or music, but landscaping.
“I met John through my landscaping business, and as we learned we were both artists, we became friends,” explained Human Moods co-founder Chris Muccino. “I eventually asked John about doing some art for our new release, and he gave us access to all his published pieces.”
Mishler is an award-winning artist whose works have been displayed in national and international exhibitions. He uses a modified pointillism technique, applying thousands of multicolored ink dots to paper with a wooden toothpick to create abstract images and landscapes.
Mishler said he approached Muccino because he was looking for a good landscaper. But as they got to know each other, Mishler said he realized Muccino is that rare type of creative who’s in it for the right reasons and doesn’t care about becoming rich and famous.
“I said, ‘If you ever want to use any of my art, you can use it for free,'” Mishler said.
Muccino and Mishler, along with Human Moods co-founder and vocalist Sheridan, ended up choosing four images to be used as part of the album’s packaging. Muccino lives in Bath. Sheridan, who performs under a single name, lives in South Portland.
Speaking together at Mishler’s home on Great Island in late March, Muccino, Sheridan, and Mishler described their experience working together as serendipitous and enjoyable. They all share a love of artistic expression and an aversion to big egos.
Sheridan said she and Muccino were so impressed by their discussions with Mishler that they even asked him to name their first full-length album. He chose “Enigma.”
“I love the word(s) ‘enigma’ (and) ‘enigmatic,'” Sheridan said. “It was, to me, meant to be at that point.”
Human Moods, as one might expect, aims to evoke strong emotions in its listeners through thoughtful lyrics and compositions. Sheridan and Muccino said their musical influences include The Pretenders, Fleetwood Mac, Joan Jett, and Siouxsie & the Banshees, “with a side of Tracey Ullman thrown in.”
The album’s lead single, “Hindsight,” is about that feeling of looking back on past decisions and wishing you had known then what you do now.
Mishler suggested the band use a painting of his called “Torrey Pines, California,” specifically because of that song. The piece ended up being one of two images included in the gatefold of the album’s CD release.
Mishler described the image as “a lonely, single pine turning left towards the past,” symbolizing the way hindsight reveals valuable insights that would have been helpful in the moment but arrive only after the fact.
The CD and vinyl jackets include additional design work by Walter Hildebrand. The album features Muccino on guitars and keyboards, Sheridan on vocals, and session musicians Greg Goodwin on bass and Mike Chasse on drums, plus guest performances on a few songs.
The physical album will be available at Bull Moose locations starting Saturday, April 12, with a subsequent digital release on all major streaming platforms on April 25.
Muccino and Sheridan, both of whom are involved in multiple musical projects and bands, said they are already thinking about ways they can collaborate with Mishler again in the future. The Harpswell artist said he is all for it, playfully suggesting he should be given an expanded role next time.
“My biggest disappointment with this whole project is that I was never asked to sing,” Mishler said with a smile.
