Kiwi artist up for Grammy

Artist Sarah Larnach has just been nominated for a Grammy Award for designing the cover of the new Passenger album 'Whispers'. Photo / Jason Dorday

Modest Kiwi artist Sarah Larnach is pinching herself after being nominated for a Grammy.

The Aucklander had no idea she was even in the running for the prestigious award, for designing an album cover for hit British singer-songwriter Passenger. She found out in a surprise text on Saturday morning.

The 2015 Grammy nominations were announced overnight on Friday. Larnach was amazed to be included in the 'Recording Package' category for Passenger's album Whispers.

"I was annoyed when I was woken up at 7am with a text from Passenger's manager in the UK," she said. "I ignored the first message but when a second one arrived a wee bit later I read it and was blown away to be told I was in for a Grammy."

Larnach, a painter, works from her home studio in Mt Albert. She has designed other record sleeves for Passenger plus her Kiwi rocker friends Ladyhawke and Liam Finn.

The cover for Whispers is set out like a full book, complete with pop-up characters. It was inspired by childrens' author Enid Blyton.

Larnach will travel to a star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles in February.

"The Grammy nomination is a complete surprise but I hope it will put me on the map. Designing album sleeves is what I love doing best.

"I phoned Ladyhawke straight away to tell her and she offered to put me up at her place in LA in February. She has taken me as a guest to a number of flash award ceremonies and I hope to now return the favour."