Issue 4: Echoes
Otsukimi
Austin Stanley
Image description: A carved block print and ink image of a hare travelling in moonlight through a garden patch. Black and white.
Artist Statement: Have you ever found yourself intrigued by a cat crossing the street? Perhaps it’s the rarity of seeing such an animal known for its timidness and elusiveness. One might find themselves wondering what the cat was doing just prior to seeing it, and where it may be going. What if we knew what the cat was doing? Would we still be intrigued?
I’m inspired by stories and legends whose subject matter exists in a world one layer away from us. I tell these stories through relief prints using linoleum and wood blocks. My use of delicate hand-made papers brings a two-dimensional piece to life. Through use of shape and tone, I aim to clearly present the subject of the piece, using it to evoke feelings of curiosity and humor—questions of why rather than what. What better example to use than a cat?
Austin Stanley is a printmaker with a strong interest in artistic publications and printed matter. He created Spatial Matter, a zine showcasing local artists to promote community in the Greater Victoria art scene. His print work explores themes of life and death through the genre of ukiyo-e. He is an avid member of the local music scene and regularly designs and prints merchandise for local bands.