Kim Deal on the iconic Last Splash artwork:

You worked with the late Vaughan Oliver on the Last Splash album artwork. Can you tell us a bit about the artwork, it's inception and the creative process?

Vaughan Oliver. What a weirdo. In the best way. He approached album artwork entirely differently than anybody else at the time.

The idea of a heart image originated from a conversation I had with Vaughn. I was complaining to him (this is how I remember it):

“Vaughan, please stop putting naughty bits on the breeders record covers!”

You might not know, but the Safari text on the album cover is a close-up of an areola from one of the women who worked at 4AD (thank you for your service, Sabrina!)

And generally, you know, the whole beautiful fertility dance on the cover of Pod.

I said, “Vaughan, how about something sweet for a change?”

I actually made a Valentine’s Day box in my mom’s and dad’s garage. I over-decorated the box with tissue paper and hearts, so it looked cloying and repulsive.

I can’t even remember if I sent him the photos I took of the box.

I thought what he made was just stunning.


- Kim