Season 9 Ep. 06 - Chris Kysor (Artist behind the cover of the Silver Jews' "American Water")

Season 9 Ep. 06 - Chris Kysor (Artist behind the cover of the Silver Jews' "American Water")

From The Self Portrait Gospel :: Podcast by The Self Portrait Gospel :: Podcast

May 21, 2026 · 1h 36m · Season 9 · Episode 6

About this episode

Chris Kysor shares his memories and experiences with David Berman and the creation of the iconic album cover for 'American Water'.

Having first met the late great David "Cloud" Berman sometime in Dallas in 1984, poetic painter Chris Kysor has been an incredibly important individual in the world of the Silver Jews before they even lifted off the ghostly ground in the 1990s. Friends since high school, Kysor tells us about his dear friend, and poet, the only way he knows how: through his intimate connection and precious friendship with one of the greatest artists of our time. From local concerts where they saw the Cure together, and several of the punk pioneers that were coming through the "Big D" in the 1980s, to Berman's days briefly spent in Austin, the two would eventually reconnect in 1998 while Kysor was living and working in Brooklyn as a painter, and Berman during the Jews' recording of their definitive album, "American Water". The story goes that Berman visited the artist's studio where he first encountered the unnamed painting, which he instantly became transfixed by, and would later call Kysor to ask if they could use it for their next album. Stunned by his dear friend's interest, Kysor happily agreed, and the rest is harmonious history. Neither of the two knew what was coming their way, both…

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