"Timeless" Drawing

Born 1st November 1985. I am a very passionate penciled artist who is highly interested in detail and precision. The subjects I use in my drawings are mainly people and they are drawn in the style of Photo-realism. I create like this mainly because of the deep emotional sense of connection I feel when drawing a subject intricately and capturing expressions in a lifelike manner. I became interested in the genre of Photo-realism from a very young age. I was 15 during my studies at St Ignatius College when I discovered I could draw to a noticeably skilful degree. I would reference and draw inspiration from realism and photo-realism greats such as Chuck Close, Ralph Goings, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. They have heavily inspired, influenced and motivated me, not only by their works, but their ability to use their minds in such a way it prompts emotion and innovation. Photo- realism to me was another word for mastery. Personally, I don't think I have or ever will live to see my craft mastered. But it's like the term "Perfection". Perfection is an illusion, but one still strives towards it. So that is what got me interested in photo-realism. It's also what helped develop the compelling mindset to master my craft and develop the skills and techniques to create unique work. When people see my work I would like them to feel a sense of connection. I would like my drawings to prompt an emotional response, making viewers feel as though they are looking at a real live subject. Experiencing emotions that could make one feel inspired, thoughtful, challenged, enchanted and excited. I choose to work with pencils mainly because of the fascination I have for the medium. From a very tender age I've always found the pencil to be such a humble instrument. It amazed me that with only one shade of lead, you can create so many tones and textures. Almost creating the illusion of colour. I am most inspired by people and experiences in life. Every human being is unique and has a story to tell. Through the expressions on our faces and the body gestures we make, they all stream from our personalities and traits which were developed and influenced by our experiences. I'm inspired by this and I aspire to capture and depict these expressions in my drawings. I'm compelled to draw an expression which I can and at the same time can't relate to. Because it's while I'm drawing the subject, the expression takes more meaning.