My mother taught me how to observe objects and draw them – particularly pictures from books she read to my brothers and I. My first art memory was in first grade, a mouse and clock from the poem “Hickory Dickory Dock”. From other efforts in grade school, I drew a Navajo Indian boy watching his flock of sheep. It was submitted to a statewide art show – I never saw it again – I never forgot that memory or the artwork. From both memories I still feel creating art is a ‘personal investment/investigation’. The time, learning, use of media and creativity are the babies I’ve given birth too.
Since then, I’ve enjoyed drawing images (frequently from photos) that arrest my attention, have a unique visual quality or have a personal/emotional significance. I moved from the mouse to the human portrait and figure as my primary subject matter. The gaze, the viewpoint, the orientation, the profile, the facial expressions/characteristics when artistically captured well connect us in that moment to the subject, the ‘emotive affect’ and feelings of our universal humanity in one’s countenance. I particularly like the expressions of emotions captured in the direct gaze – ‘Look at me, in me. Do you see me, see yourself’? The visual confrontation and emotive stare that challenges the viewer to ask themselves why or put them in the mind and thoughts of the person presented.
As a person of color, I enjoy presenting images of people who are reflections of who I am, in appearance - similarities or juxtapositions, and represent aspects of my lived experiences/impressions/values and history. I hope the viewer finds a part of the common thread that binds all of us as human beings, not always in the same context but in a visual framework that is relatable, authentic and visually arresting.
I desire to provide enough clear visual information that both the image, the use/application of the media, the technique and skill in ‘mark making’ proficiency, and creativity positively reflect my abilities. Though I have my favorite drawing tools I enjoy the opportunity to experiment with immediacy of new ‘tactile’ media, use of color, composition and reproducible media - printmaking. There has been one personal desire I pursue – to continue to learn how to draw well (with whatever media) and demonstrate a consistent quality of draftsmanship that produces recognizable, realistic and relatable likenesses of the subject matter. I continue to be directed by two simple thoughts: “The more you look the more you see.” – “With each new work try to meet or exceed your previous effort.” I hope you enjoy the work. Thank you for taking the time.