the Print collection
10% OF PROCEEDS WILL GO TO HELPING
PRESERVE & RESTORE OCEAN ECOSYSTEMS &
LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN EASTERN INDONESIA
ends – July 23rd, midnight pst 2020
welcome to the mermay collection
a collection of Original artwork
paintings created with archival inks and watercolor
Watch the
painting process
Take a glimpse behind the painting process
for the piece “Endless Oceans”.
the Original watercolors
Each piece is created with archival inks and layers of watercolor. Archival materials to ensure that your artwork will last a lifetime.
Two siblings separated by oceans,
reunited by destiny.
A story told through 10 paintings
Surya stood at the bow of the small outrigger, her gaze drawn upward from the water to the distant horizon. There was something out there, far beyond the islands, that resonated deeply in her bones, calling to her.
Her small tribe belonged to the sea, and yet, ever since her mother had mysteriously vanished many years ago, her father had settled them along the shoreline instead.
With a shout of alarm, Setiawan leaned out over the side, fishing spear in hand, rocking the boat as he prepared to dive in once more. They didn't have nearly enough fish to feed the tribe yet, but Surya ignored his outburst and pushed the small craft forward, motioning for him to sit back down.
"There's something down there!", her brother sputtered as he picked up his paddle and began to row...
» Original SOLD - Print in Archives
Call of the ocean
Surya didn't look back as she dipped her oar into the blue waters of their sheltered cove. Setiawan would be waiting for her as he always did on the dock when she went out night fishing alone.
Tonight felt different though. The pink glow on the horizon called her further with rising excitement at what she might find there in the open ocean. A gathering had begun...
» Original SOLD - Print in Archives
Parting
Surya let her paddle drop to the bottom of the outrigger as she watched the spectacle, mesmerized by the beauty. The creatures floated all around, summoned from the depths by a song in the sky, calling them to come dance above the waves.
Something caught Surya’s eye as she watched the creatures emerge from the water and drift upwards. There, under the surface of the water, a mermaid had appeared. The otherworldly creature beckoned, offering an invitation into their world.
Surya felt an invisible force pulling her hand forward to touch the surface of the water. Beneath, the mermaid mirrored her gesture. As she touched her reflection, Surya accepted her fate as the transformation began.
» Original SOLD - Print in Archives
The Invitation
Day after day, Setiawan sat and watched the horizon, hoping Surya would return.
In the early morning light, the mermaid appeared as she did every morning from under one of the homes, circling their sheltered cove once more. She hadn’t left since the night Surya had disappeared, watching him just out of sight, always half-hidden in the shadows from the rest of the village.
This morning, though, was different. As the mermaid emerged into full view, Setiawan sat up attentively, watching her glide boldly across the cove for the first time. Were his ears deceiving him or had he heard his name?
As the creature floated closer, green hair trailing behind, a soft voice carried over the water, “Come with me Setiawan. I know where to look for your sister.”
» Original SOLD - Print in Archives
A Call To Adventure
Together they journeyed far, farther than Setiawan had ever traveled before. They passed the last of the islands and out into the deep where the beasts of the ocean roamed.
Along the way, Setiawan saw many things, great creatures that were only told of in stories – but alas, not Surya.
» Original SOLD - Print in Archives
Endless Oceans
Setiawan followed the mermaid out past the islands, his little outrigger gliding along in the surf. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he dipped the oar in quickly and pulled it through the water, racing to keep up.⠀
⠀
He couldn't be sure where the mermaid was taking him. Gazing at the horizon, he knew with certainty he would find his sister somewhere out there.
» Original SOLD - Print in Archives
The Last island
Setiawan swam ahead of the mermaid, his arms and legs pulling him further down to where he knew he would find his sister.
As they descended past intricate coral gardens and magnificent ruins of a long lost city, he slowed. Here Setiawan could see other mermaids and mermen in and among the ruins. They had arrived in a sanctuary for these sea-dwelling creatures.
There, tending a coral garden, her hair an intricate teal blue, was a familiar mermaid. She paused, turning to look up as Setiawan swam cautiously closer.
It was Surya!
» Original SOLD - Print in Archives
The Coral Gardens
At last, the mermaid slowed amid a sea lily forest. Setiawan waited and watched from the safety of his outrigger as the mermaid disappeared into the depths.⠀
⠀
Uncertain, he peered down, wondering where she might be leading him. Could he hold his breath long enough?⠀
⠀
The mermaid reappeared, holding a necklace of shells out to him. “Wear this, you will breath like the fish.” And without further explanation, she dove into the deep!
» Original SOLD - Print in Archives
Into the Deep
Surya spoke first as they sat on the ruins. "When I slipped into this dream, I forgot my previous life. It wasn't until I saw you that I remembered. How did you find me?"
"A mermaid brought me here," Setiawan replied, sharing more of his journey across the ocean. "Will you come home with me?" he added hesitantly.
"I was wrong to leave without saying goodbye." Surya paused, "Because of what I am now I cannot return. My life is forever bound to the ocean."
"Then I will come and see you." He lifted up the necklace that the mermaid had given him. "This allowed me to be a part of your world for a time. As long as I have it I will return."
» Original SOLD - Print in Archives
two worlds
"Mother found her home here," Surya spoke as they watched the rays fill the skies as the sun set once more over the ocean.
"I am glad her spirit led me to you," Setiawan replied as he gazed up at the magic-filled sky.
It is said that when the sun meets the ocean and the sky turns pink Setiawan makes his way out into the deep waters to greet his sister Surya once more.
The end.
» Original SOLD - Print in Archives
An end & New beginning
More paintings
Even more work in the collection
