Behind The Scene Drawing

My process is a moody one and my decisions are based on emotional whim. I start with an instinct and every step is an attempt to problem solve until that instinct reveals itself into physical form - discovering through creating. A portrait, a pose, a gesture, a facial expression - these forms of representations are my tools of communication. In the human form, all the variations of muscles flex in a certain synchronicity, operating as an algorithm. It is through this unique formation that a story is revealed, divulging a message that is uniquely understood on a human-to-human level. Subjects that I am compelled to recreate are those which offer a subtle complexity. They suggest a tone of quiet strength, a combination of power and softness. They are coy while vulnerable, distant and intimate. These intricate subjects speak to my nature and it’s through creating their image that I can personify my own sentiments. Drawing portraits also offers something else: it is an opportunity to practice “telling” the truth. I find that recreating someone’s image can’t be faked even though I may take some stylistic, artistic choices to change the mode of how I represent that image and emphasize my role as the artist in creating the work. To capture the uniquely individual nuances of a specific face or gesture requires honesty and authenticity. When I step back to assess my work, I can tell on a gut level whether or not my marks work together to give me the impression of my chosen subject.