Synchroncity, or Signposts from the Universe

Synchroncity is defined as "an event that happens at a fortuitous point in time, usually as a sign that the Universe is either 1) listening, or 2) has a sense of humor." It's like the cliche of thinking about a certain person just before the phone rings and it's them on the other end of the line. When something like that happens, it makes you pause and wonder, "What was that?"

Just two days ago, I wrote an article here about one of my favorite artist/authors, Nick Bantock. He's the author of the Griffin and Sabine and The Morning Star trilogies. I own both trilogies and The Venetian's Wife. This morning, I had an appointment with my rheumatologist at Presbyterian Main, and my favorite used bookstore is on the way home. So I stopped by to see what was new...and I found a copy of The Artful Dodger on the shelf. TAD is Bantock's autobiography in pictures, so to speak; his journey through art school and how he made his successful book series. I saw it was half-price, reasonable for a 200+ page art book, and snapped it up.

All this after I set one of my goals (I don't call them resolutions anymore): to improve my art technique. Is this a sign from the universe saying, "You're on the right track...keep going"? Similar instances have happened to me before, and it's never failed to startle me each time. It's eerie...but wonderful at the same time.

All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010

Combining Art with Story: Books by Nick Bantock

Recently, I re-read my copies of the Griffin and Sabine trilogy by Nick Bantock. The trilogy includes Griffin and Sabine, Sabine's Notebook and The Golden Mean. A mysterious woman named Sabine writes a letter to British artist Griffin, and the two continue to exchange letters and postcards. As the story continues, it becomes clear that Sabine and Griffin are both in danger from outside forces. They arrange to meet, but are unsuccessful the first time. Eventually, they unravel the mystery of why they keep missing each other. They do meet at the end...and the story continues with a second "trilogy": The Gryphon, Alexandria and The Morning Star.

I love the mystery, the intrigue and the characters...you definitely sympathize with Griffin and Sabine as their situation becomes desperate. Two lovers, perhaps fated never to meet, unless they take a great risk. In the second trilogy, archeologist Matthew Sedon and his beloved Isabelle de Rheims deal with the forces of darkness with Griffin and Sabine's help. The tension builds until the very end of the second trilogy. Will both couples be successful?

Mr. Bantock illustrates all six books with beautiful drawings and paintings, and includes actual envelopes with letters in them. It's a thrill to pull out a smooth piece of paper and read the writing on it. In this age of e-mails, instant messaging, Skype and Twitter, receiving a letter through the post becomes a welcome treat. The correspondence reveals the personality of each letter writer as they tell their stories. The detail of each piece of mail is amazing, down to the postage and the cancellation stamps!

Other books by the same author: The Forgetting Room, The Venetian's Wife, The Artful Dodger, The Egyptian Jukebox and The Museum at Purgatory.

All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010