Deftones Around The Fur Girl
Hey, you know that iconic Deftones album, Around the Fur? The one that slaps harder than a Sacramento summer sun? Yeah, that one. Well, have you ever stopped to wonder about the girl on the cover?
Seriously, for years I just assumed she was some effortlessly cool person they plucked straight from a 90s rave. Turns out, the story is a little… less rave-y, and a lot more, well, family.
Meet Lisa Hughes: The (Not-So) Mysterious Cover Girl
Okay, drumroll please… the girl gracing the cover is actually Lisa Hughes! And here's the kicker: she's the niece of Deftones drummer, Abe Cunningham. Mind. Blown. I always thought it was just some random model and I was way off.
Must Read
Apparently, the band was looking for something specific: a picture that felt both intimate and slightly voyeuristic. They wanted to capture a sense of peeking in on a private moment. I guess that vibe worked, considering we're still talking about it all these years later!
It was photographer Rick Kosick who snapped the shot. And it wasn't even some highly-produced photoshoot. According to interviews, it was more of a casual "Hey Lisa, can you hop in the tub for a minute?" kind of thing. (I’m picturing everyone eating pizza beforehand. Just me?)
The Bathtub Chronicles: More Than Just Suds
So, what's the story behind the tub? Well, Lisa wasn't actually bathing, guys! She was just… chillin'. Fully clothed, I might add. The water level was purposely kept low, and the lighting was crucial. It’s all about those subtle shadows and that enigmatic stare, am I right?
It’s funny, because the image is so striking and suggestive, but the actual context is pretty tame. The power of suggestion, people! You know, like how magicians make a rabbit disappear. Except instead of a rabbit, it's... expectations about a girl in a bathtub.
Abe Cunningham has spoken about the cover image being something that represents the band: edgy, artistic, and definitely memorable. He also said Lisa was super cool about the whole thing, even though she was probably like, "Seriously, Uncle Abe? A bathtub?"
Why It Works: The Lasting Impact
Around the Fur dropped in 1997, and that cover is still instantly recognizable. It's become synonymous with the album's sound: a blend of beauty and aggression, softness and power. You know, like a kitten… that secretly knows kung fu.
The ambiguity is key. It doesn’t spell everything out for you. You're left to project your own interpretations onto the image, which is why it resonates with so many people. It's a conversation starter, a mood setter, and a reminder that sometimes, the most captivating art is the art that makes you think.
And let's be real, it's just plain cool. The colors, the composition, the model's expression… it's a visual masterpiece. Even if it does make you wonder if you should be investing in more bath bombs.
The Moral of the Story: Embrace the Unexpected!
So, the next time you see the cover of Around the Fur, remember Lisa Hughes. Remember the casual bathtub hangout, the uncle-niece dynamic, and the fact that sometimes, the best art comes from the most unexpected places. And maybe, just maybe, take a moment to appreciate the sheer brilliance of a band that can turn a simple snapshot into an enduring icon.
It’s proof that you don't need fancy sets or elaborate concepts to create something truly special. You just need a little creativity, a good photographer, and an uncle with a drum kit. And maybe a bathtub. Just in case.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to take a very artistic, fully clothed bath. Just kidding… mostly.