For more than five decades, a British artist has helped shape the band’s image.
Roger Dean has created the fantasy landscapes associated with the Yes album covers, as well as some for other groups like the band Asia. The artist, who has some of his work on display in Ventura County, has had his work featured featured on 100 million album covers since the 1960’s.
Dean started out as an architect in the 1960’s. He designed the interior of a popular London nightclub. Someone there saw one of his fantasy landscape images on a notepad, and asked him to do a cover for a new rock band album. He liked painting, and loved the concept that he could make a living with his fantasy landscapes.
Dean says he was really able to connect with musicians. The artist has done the covers for some of the best selling albums in the world. But, he admits it’s hard to pick a favorite, saying he could pick one thing in the morning, and say something totally different that night.
Dean says while his focus is painting, he will occasionally return to his roots in architecture if an interesting project comes his way.
Dean lives near Brighton, England, but was in Ventura County for an art conference, and the opening of a show featuring some of his work.
Some of Dean’s work is on display as part of an exhibition at Ventura County’s Studio Channel Islands called “The Illusionists.” The non-profit studio complex in Camarillo is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 11a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
