The Search
by Morris Nathanson
the search
The Search
M o r r i s N at h a n s o n The Search is a series of 23 serigraphs conceived as a continuous narrative and allegorical journey. It was originally printed in 1974 as a limited edition of 20 sets. The textural and architectural references in the drawings were influenced by Mr. Nathanson’s visit to the southwest region of France where he studied printmaking. A native son of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Nathanson is an artist, designer, entrepreneur and founder of Morris Nathanson Design. His paintings, prints, assemblages and sculptures are in numerous collections. Nathanson’s interest in adaptive reuse of architecture has led the way in the preservation of landmarks in the Blackstone Valley region, and inspired a thriving arts community in his beloved hometown.
Notes
“Sometimes a story is so simple it’s almost hard to describe, it’s like trying to describe a sunset.”
Morris Nathanson was born of immigrant parents from Belarus and the Ukraine, drawn to the Blackstone Valley region of Rhode Island for its flourishing textile industry. He was raised in a strong maternal family, one of five siblings with a father who was often absent. In 1944, Morris enlisted in the U.S. Navy after his junior year in high school, serving in the Pacific Theater. This pivotal experience marks the beginning of an emerging world vision and aesthetic. His eclectic art melds iconic cultural imagery with familiar themes and symbols from his childhood—the river, textile mills and family.
Much of Nathanson’s art tells a story and The Search is no exception. It begins in the collective memory of the Depression, when men could not - M.N. always support their families, lost their identity and left home. This sense of loss and longing, a young man’s journey looking for a face in the harbor, is at the heart of The Search. The series is drawn from the region of Languedoc in southern France, where Morris traveled and studied printmaking. The village architecture, the landscape of the region, the music and poetry of the time, all contribute to the poignant simplicity of the series. The quality of line and texture in each image is distilled to the essential elements of a simple yet universal story– a metaphorical journey anchored in hard truths.
For, Brother, What Are We? We are the sons of our father, Whose face we have never seen, We are the sons of our father, Whose voice we have never heard, We are the sons of our father, To whom we have cried for strength and comfort In our agony, We are the sons of our father, Whose life like ours Was lived in solitude and in the wilderness, We are the sons of our father, To whom only can we speak out The strange, dark burden of our heart and spirit, We are the sons of our father, And we shall follow the print of his foot forever. Thomas Wolfe
The S earch M o r r i s N at h a n s o n
The Search – a series of 23 ink drawings converted to serigraph prints, originally printed in 1974 in portfolio sets. This 2011 book edition of The Search is produced in celebration of Morris Nathanson’s generous contributions to the Arts in Rhode Island.
With special thanks to Phyllis & Morris Nathanson Consuelo Sherba, Artistic Director of the Aurea Ensemble Aurea Ensemble The Alchemy of Music & Words
Daniel J. Alexander, Rebecca Leuchak, Sally Barker & Denny Moers for their assistance and expertise with the images.
The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
For, Brother, What Are We? Thomas Wolfe published in the poetry anthology, The Rag and Bone Shop of the Heart. Bly, Hillman, & Meade, Eds. (1992). New York: HarperCollins. Book design by Amy Webb, Mockingbird Design This book was produced with a grant from the
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
© 2011 Morris Nathanson The Search First Edition All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. For further information or to purchase copies contact AureaEnsemble.org.
M O R R I S N AT H A N S O N Renowned artist, designer and entrepreneur, Morris Nathanson lives and works in his native state of Rhode Island. His prolific and eclectic artwork includes paintings, prints, assemblages, collage and sculpture. The Search offers a window into Nathanson’s artistic process. This series of 23 prints, created in 1974, tells a simple story with universal truths– a metaphorical journey laced with his own past. Nathanson’s design and aesthetic vision have graced many venues locally and internationally. He founded Morris Nathanson Design in 1963, guiding it to a position of preeminence in the field of restaurant and hospitality design. The Pawtucket-based firm is the recipient of over 30 national and international restaurant design awards, and his efforts are recorded in numerous publications and books. Familiar examples range from Euro Disney and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to local Providence bistro’s such as Mills Tavern, Red Stripe, Hemenway’s, and The Capital Grille. Nathanson’s passion for adaptive reuse of architecture has led the way in the preservation of landmarks in the Blackstone Valley region and inspired a thriving Arts community in Pawtucket. In 2010 the Exchange Street Bridge, spanning the historic Blackstone River, was rededicated the ‘Morris Nathanson Bridge’ in honor of his many contributions to the arts and culture of Pawtucket and Rhode Island.
This edition was produced with a grant from the
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts Artwork by Morris Nathanson Cover and book design by Amy Webb M O C K I N G B I R D D E S I G N P R OV I D E N C E
RHODE ISLAND