MS: The pencil work involved in these drawings made over the years takes its toll — Paul’s hands bear witness, in graphite stain and callous, in skin and bone, to labor. We see a manifestation of this in the character of Mefisty — a disembodied drawn hand that sometimes seems to mutate into animated forms and creatures, taking on a life of its own. Mefisty brings to mind Mephistopheles, and the pact with Faust, that offer of material immortality in exchange for soul. Mephistopheles is also Lucifer, the bringer of light.
PN: “I am the numbers of tone and hardness that bring brightness”.
PN: The devil is in the detail - that is what they say. My hand was possessed by Mephistopheles. What is that film with Peter Lorre? Is it about an amputee artist who has the hand of a murderer grafted onto his arm...
MS: hands, making, the mortality of making
