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Showing posts from August, 2021

The Body Machine Series No. 76 - 80

I drew with a more loose direction of line, during the creation of these pieces. There was a period when I searched online for images of black bodybuilders. Since my childhood, there was always this fascination with muscular men. We are introduced to them through cartoons and comics. The superheroes are usually dressed in revealing costumes, that seem to even eroticize their bodies. The muscularly large bodies are no less visible in art history. The exaggerated or emphasis on size is often used as a symbolism of masculinity, power and great strength. All of this can excite a gay boy discovering his own sexuality and fantasies. It does not have to be bodybuilders either. It can be seen in the athletes position during sports and media platforms. Stocky men can display this same appeal, it does not have to be a chiseled appearance. I draw other sizes to contrast with such body types to emphasize the beauty of appreciating variety. The evidence of someone's body being different from yo...

The Body Machine Series No. 71 - 75

There began to be a transition near the end of my depressive episode. I used to say " I got my mojo back. " This is before I understood what and how depression works periodically throughout one's life. Depressive episodes tend to last for a duration of about two weeks, I have read. Some periods can be longer for others. It makes since to me, because now I know what is happening during these moments when the " mojo " feels lost! After number 71 was created, I began to feel like it was no longer a Herculean task to continue drawing. I was enjoying the process of creating a story again, as it continued to unfold, and reveal itself to me. It was also revealing myself to me as well. This set from the series, concludes the intimate session, on the floor between the two men.  1. Body Machine # 71                      2. Body Machine # 72                     3. Body Machine # 73...

The Body Machine Series no. 66-70

 Within this set, I remember having to push through a condition during the period, in which some of these were created. It was a depressive episode, triggered by stress from work related issues. And I was continuing to struggle within a relationship with my then partner, that was taking its toll on my mental health. I felt discouraged from the amount of fatigue that weighed heavily on me. Although I was deeply frustrated with outer influences, discouraging me from creating when arriving home, it was a reminder of coping strategies that drawing provided. This series was inspired by sexual frustration, and the need for expression of such issues to aid as a safe, therapeutic outlet for me in many ways. Body Machine # 66                          Body Machine # 67                                              B...