. NARCISSUS . . BACKGROUND OF THE BOOK .
. After having a passion to write a book for many years, it was during a trip around Italy to view many of the countries prestigious galleries which led to my plot outline materialising.
Having viewed several Caravaggio works in the capital’s galleries, we chanced upon a temporary exhibit focussing on the investigation of art crimes and the recovery of stolen artifacts. A seed of a plot was planted.
The following day whilst visiting further galleries we viewed another work by Caravaggio entitled ‘Narcissus.’ The name for my antagonist and the book title had appeared before my eyes.
Over the remaining days of our visit, plot and character ideas were scribbled across numerous serviettes and beer mats.
The next twelve months were spent creating the story line, character profiles and plot structure. Only then did I put the first words to paper and the story had begun.
.G.N.SWEETLAND. .AUTHOR .
. NARCISSUS is my debut novel. My passion for art began unknowingly as a child when I would stare endlessly at the gatefold covers of progressive rock albums as I listened to the vinyl records unsheathed from within. I found myself lost for hours marvelling at the works of Hipgnosis, Roger Dean, Paul Whitehead and Mark Wilkinson.
However, most of my life and the biggest part of my working career has involved outdoor sports in one form or another.
I could regularly be spotted clinging to the wall of a disused quarry face or heading to the coast with my board strapped to the car roof in search of a clean swell.
In recent years I have been lucky enough to travel extensively around the globe. It has been during these travels that I found a new passion for other forms of art.
On days when I am not writing, I can still be found coaching water sports albeit voluntarily or attached to a paddleboard, kayak, surfboard, snowboard or skis on the sea or the side of a mountain.
I am lucky enough to live in the triangular point where Somerset, Devon and Dorset converge and can be found on a daily basis enjoying the wonderful countryside the trio of counties offer with my Labradoodle, Alfie.
. Flip-Side . See what i get up to when i am not re-searching or WRITING my next NOVEL
.MICHELANGELO MERISI. .'CARAVAGGIO'. .ARTIST.
. Born Michelangelo Merisi in 1571. It is thought that he grew up in the small town of Caravaggio from which he later took his byname. as a Teenager, he served an apprenticeship with Milanese artist Simone Peterzano, before relocating to Rome and joining Cesari's studio in mass production of in vogue fruit and flower. pictures. His artistic techniques continued to develop bringing far greater realism to his painting, portraying his subjects in a more truer natural form. This along with his dramatic contrasting use of light and dark, later becoming known as tenebrism , afforded him the opportunity to produce works for some of Rome's most influential collectors. As word spread of his innovative style, larger commissions within Rome's new churches provided far lucrative rewards.
Unfortunately his newly found fame and financial gains would inevitably lead to this downfall. Periods between commissions would be filled with excessive drinking and brawling. eventually leading to the accidental killing of a known adversary, Ranuccio Tommasoni. With a price on his head, Caravaggio flees Rome seeking the safety of Spanish jurisdictions within southern Italy.
After a short stay within the safety of the estate of the Colonna family, he travels to Naples and soon gains further recognition for his work and becomes one of the periods most influential artists. Unrest in Naples, most probably from relatives of the Tommasoni. caused him to flee further south. Firstly to the safety of Knights of Malta and eventually the island of Sicily. Each location offering not only security from his enemies but further notoriety from numerous paintings produced during this period. He would eventually return to Naples where he would produce his final works before being seriously disfigured during an attempt on his life. Speculation of a pardon from Rome probably led to the artist taking a boat northwards during the summer of 1610. however, very few facts remain of the ensuing period. Caravaggio is thought to have died in July that year, possibly due to sepsis from his wounds.
.NARCISSUS. .HUNTER.
.In Greek mythology, NARCISSUS, the son of the river god 'Cephissus' and the nymph 'Liriope'. was a hunter of undeniable beauty.
One Day whilst walking in the woods, the mountain nymph 'Echo' encountered Narcissus, fell deeply in love and could not prevent herself from following the beautiful boy, Sensing he was being followed, he questioned 'Who's there?' Echo responded with 'Who's there?' before revealing herself.
Narcissus rejected her advances and the heartbroken echo spent the remainder of her life wilting alone until all that remained was her echo.
Narcissus was punished for his behaviour by 'Nemesis' the god of retribution & revenge. He was led a to a pool of still waters so as to quench his thirst.
As he crouched above the water the image of a beautiful youth appeared. Not realising it was his own reflection and that each time he rose the boy would disappear, he became enchanted and unable to leave the allure of his own beauty.
Falling madly in love with the image of his own being, he could not pull himself away from the pool he would eventually die from thirst and starvation.
A white and gold flower would eventually grow from his remains and bare his name until this day.