100 Sleeves Challenge: High Hopes

One of the various original cover designs for the album

Sleeve 034/100: The Division Bell (1994)
Studio Album by Pink Floyd
Label: EMI Records
Genre: Progressive Rock
Original Cover: Design by Storm Thorgerson

The last quarter of the year (2021) was a bit busy and complicated for me, and the blog got a bit neglected, but If you supported me on Ko-fi during that time then you know the 100 Sleeves project was still up and running.

The Division Bell is one of my favorite albums by Pink Floyd. I was surprised to read it received mixed reviews on release. I think it’s beautifully made, and I always come back to it when I’m looking for something relaxing but not dull.

This album explores themes of communication and the idea that talking with others can solve many of our inner problems.

Album Cover Redesign by franzmori. This is fan art, no copyright infringement intended.

This reminded me of a workshop I took some years ago. We made many exercises related to the different chakras. When we got to a vocal exercise where we had to scream, my voice wouldn’t come out! The instructor pointed out my throat chakra was closed and asked me if I had trouble expressing my truth.

I couldn’t help and cry right there. I personally have a lot of trouble speaking up about my inner struggles, expressing my truth, and showing up authentically. I’m always making a conscious effort to not be quiet or compliant when I don’t truly want to.

That’s why for this album I took inspiration from the Vishuddha or throat chakra.

This chakra is often depicted as a blue 16-petal lotus flower and its deity, Panchavaktra shiva, has 5 heads. I made an abstract overlap of these elements and in the background, I included an overlapping circles grid, also known as “Flower of Life”, because I’m constantly attracted to sacred geometry.

Also, my favorite song at the moment is Wearing the Inside Out, so it felt right to take inspiration in something more personal.