I started making this after reading a Welsh folktale about a mermaid who hears a man practicing a song for his fiancée. She falls in love—not just with the man, but with the song—and begs him to teach it to her. He’s flattered, maybe even tempted, but recoils when he sees her up close: scales, gills, sea hair, and a gauntness not meant for land. I wanted to capture her sorrow in that moment.

(Yes, she eventually drowns him and carries his body to her underwater kingdom, but we’ll save that part for another time.)

The book mentioned that in Welsh folklore, mermaids were often described as beautiful women above the waist, and fish-like below—mysterious, vengeful, and powerful. It was said that those who wronged them often met with curses that lasted generations.

There are several mermaid stories on the west coast of Wales, or perhaps, different versions of the same.

Carved and printed by hand, this piece captures that presence, with rough textures and bold contrasts.

Each print is hand-pulled, ensuring unique textures and slight variations that make every piece one of a kind.

Details:
✔ Open Edition Version
✔ Size: A6 print on A4 paper. (Will fit in standard frames)
✔ Material: High-quality printmaking paper & archival ink
✔ Frame and mount not included