The mermaid pattern semi-regular division of the plain is obviously inspired by M. C. Ethers work ( although interestingly he was preceded by Koloman Moser in 1890 who created the first ‘Escher style’ division of the plain design for a book cover see, also, Shibata Zenshi of Japan used an interlocking egret pattern for a lacquer ware pattern in the 19c), started in 1984 when I first moved to Tokyo, not having much work at the time the idea progressed quickly. It’s been through many permutations (see other mermaid studies on this site) but reached maturity to print in 2017 at the Glasgow Print Workshop.
Koloman Moser , Escher and some of the mathematicians that have dabbled in similar work are I think representative of a movement that never was, maybe in the future?
The title “Mermaids Reflect” is based on some of the thoughts behind the picture regarding self consciousness and self identity and of course the symmetries in the pattern. Social media has made the ‘selfie’ an important aspect of social media and the internet. When the mermaid looks at the mirror she sees her face of course - probably the least important aspect of her self as a mermaid(?)
While at Glasgow working on the mermaid pattern and doing print tests it became apparent that a multicolored version would look good. It was only after I’d made it that I realized the color palette actually comes from Japanese ‘Hanga’ wood block prints! I used to collect them so I think the pallet must have seeped into my subconscious ;)
Trying out the mermaid pattern in Illustrator was a joy as it has the best bezier curves going. This really helped work out how the mermaids would fit together. The original drawing of the mermaids on paper started in 1984 when I’d just arrived in Tokyo and didn’t have a lot of work but plenty of time;)
Canvas 1998
Color work really started in Canvas 2.0, the multipurpose graphics tool. Although it’s bezier curves weren’t the same caliber as Illustrator, it’s super gradients were lovely and translated well to print.
Having done character design and animation for the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund (JFMF) for most of the ten years of its existence, it was only natural to try creating a 3D version of the mermaids pattern. With a drawing you can make any shape you like but with anatomy you’re kind of stuck with the move limits of the human body, this made it a bit tricky to find a way of creating an even division of the plain. (Still working on this one;)