SouthSeaEyes

In the Endlessly convoluted tapestry of this Universe, stories intertwine with both serendipity and emotional depths. Such is the journey of my humble print project, “Red Shift: Endlessly Entangled Dream and Desire”. A work which had inadvertently meandered from my head to my hands, to the battleship grey block, to the pfeil gouging tools, to the inking slab, to instagram reels, to DMs, through friends and to London’s KitKat Club stage …touching lives all along the way.

Hi, I’m Nusye, a reclusive printmaker with a finance background, and the story you’re about to delve into revolves around Nat, a remarkable individual who became the bridge between my art and the wider world. She took my print, “Red Shift: Endlessly Entangled Dream and Desire,” on an unexpected journey that led to Mason Alexander Park—a tale that spans from solitude to stardom (not mine, Mason’s obviously), all while celebrating the connective power of art

As an homage to Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman series on Netflix in August 2022, the print initially caught the eye of Mason Alexander Park – who wonderfully embodied the character of Desire, on screen – through an Instagram reel I put together whilst carving and printing the lino block.

Mason, who stars as EmCee in London’s KitKat Club production of The Cabaret until the 25th September 2023, was visited by Nat, a cherished friend who was gifted the print by our mutual artist friend. Nat graciously procured Mason’s autograph on the actual original print piece …closing a rather extraordinary loop, as Mason mentioned they remembered seeing the print on Instagram. (I may have been dancing in the kitchen when Nat told me this story. There may have been squeals of utter joy [sorry, lovely neighbours]).

Behind this series of fortunate events lies a tender narrative; Nat’s mother recently passed on, imbuing the unfolding tale with added gravitas. It is only fitting that this account also serves as a tribute to her. To Nat’s Maman, may your onward journey be smooth, and may you find unhindered journey through all the gates.

There is deepest respect in this collective stories, and it speaks to a nuanced joy of genuine human connection, even in moments of grief and loss. My thanks go to Nat for sharing this emotional chapter with me – one which prompted a heartfelt smile and served as a potent reminder of art’s ability to impact others in ways we, the hands & minds making those arts, cannot ourselves know.

As a bigger picture, what resonates most for me is the way this art form, this printmaking gift (loan?) has the propensity to bridge emotional and geographical divides – and perhaps may offer solace when words are insufficient.

Sharing this, I hope to encourage others to create, be you an artist, a creator, a dreamer, a spreadsheet jockey, or all of the above: bring through who you are into your art. The Universe, in its unfathomable wisdom has a knack of acknowledging true passion in the most unexpected yet deeply meaningful ways.

Nat – thank you for letting me share your story and picture. A heartfelt thanks for taking the print to Mason and getting it signed. Your gesture has added depth and meaning to my work – it fuels my flame.

In quiet reflection,

Your Reclusive Printmaker,

Nusye