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From: Bonnie Engstrom
Date: 17 Dec 2002
Time: 21:27:26 -0500
Remote Name: 212.140.113.49
Dear Nick Today I was asked to write a mock book review of one I felt passinate about, so the daily telegraph in London can see if I can write... Hm, if only an actress could, and with your inspiration, I hope I can. Here you go, if they print it or want me to review another book is besides the point, here is what I wrote... When I first picked up the Griffin and Sabine Trilogy by Nick Bantock I was instantly intrigued by' "Its good to get in touch with you at last. Could I have one of your fish post cards? I think the wine has more impact than the cup." I was then lead into the extraordinary correspondance between London designer Griffin Moss and South Pacific postage stamp designer Sabine Strohem. Two subsequent volumes complete the trilogy: Sabines Notebook and The Golden Mean. These are no ordinary books, in the sense that it opens the voyeur in all of us as each letter is enclosed in the cryptic and delicate artwork of Nick Bantock. As each letter and postcard unfold, and they literally do, there is a compulsion to know more about their relationship. How do they know eachother? Is Sabine a figment of Griffins artistic isolation? And if Sabine does exist, how can she see what he paints being millions of miles across the ocean ? And Nick Bantock, being as disingenuous as his books, one day witnessing someone elses post at the post office,feeling a tad jealous, decided to write letters to himself. And in doing so, foumd the correspondance which became Griffin snd Sabine. Reading through a couple of interviews, I found him saying,"Don't let your mind stop your heart from saying how it feels- and if in doubt, send it. After all, whats a little egg in the face compared to the rewards of reciprocation?"It will have pyscho analysts sqirm everywhere, but I love that. As you enter the world of Griffin and Sabine you find yourself wanting to meet them in person. Only to find by the second book, that the impending meeting is causing a myriad of strange consequences. A must have in everyones bookshelf as words and imagry fuse so eloquently, if you dont treat yourself, treat a friend. So Nick, I am thinking when I am brave enough I will send you my poetry and writing if you have time.And I have one request, that if you ever do a "talking" book again, please let me speak it for you. You can hear my voice if you look up Bonnie Engstrom on the internet, this is not a sell job, but an earnest plea. I love the books, and you have inspired me to see again, and in seeing, I am writing. I read about the lady in Boston who had chemo, and you made her life bejewelled and light again. That is so wonderful, and so what all this expression is about. AS Gabriel Garcia Marquez said,"If for an instant God were to forget that I am a rag doll and gifted me with a peice of life, possibly I wouldnt say all that I think,but rather I would think of all that I say. I would value things, not for thier worth but for what they mean. I would sleep little, dream more, understanding that for each minute we close our eyes, we lose sixty seconds of light......My god, if I had a heart, I would write my hate on ice, and wait for the sun to show. Over the stars I would paint a Benedetti poem, and a Serrat song would be the serenade I'd offer to the moon...." Love and Grace to you Nick And take good care of yourself in what seems a hectic schedule, B