1. Chiseled
2. African Sculptor
3. Comic Page Fantasy # 1
4. Point Of Destination
5. Good Eatin'
1. " Chiseled " was inspired by the vintage black and white photographs, I discovered online, featuring black men. This was a treasure to find. They are beautiful pictures of an era I did not know existed. To see these men in such a light, that captures their naked bodies, is really powerful! There was one that sparked my imagination, of a man standing, with a black surrounding. The composition influenced an idea, for me to draw my own version of it. I sketched out a figure, with a similar pose, and included my own interpretation of physical features. The man in the photograph had hair, but I decided to create a bald head. Photographs, for me usually trigger a different perspective and a proceeding idea is sparked, that does not sync exactly with what is seen. I then focus more on what I see, that is more essential, and build from that. The photo already exists and tells its own story. I create something else to generate a different perspective.
2. " African Sculptor " is a piece that expresses my admiration and appreciation for African art. One of my big sisters ( who is also one of my heroes ) introduced me to African masks and sculptures, when I was a teen. Afterwards I researched more about the subject, because it began to influence my thoughts and ideas, regarding black heritage and history. I love how distinctive it is from western art and cultures. The beauty that comes out of wood, such as African art is so earthy and inspirational to me as an artist, and an African American.
3. " Conic Page Fantasy # 1 " was created out of my continued curiosity of drawing without a pen. I wanted to see how effective my wash drawings would be, and whether it was a new direction to pursue. Sequential drawings, are a revisited process for me, ever since I was a teenager. My art often references the influence of comics. And animation has an even bigger influence on my approach to sequential drawings. I drew this piece with brushes and washes on watercolor paper. It was a different experience to notice how absorbent the textured surface responded to my washes. It adds an erotic touch to this piece, to have softer edges. Although I am more of a " strong line " artist, this piece translates more delicately and sensuously with subdued lines.
4. " Point of Destination " was influenced by the beautiful cinematography, I have seen in old black and white films and documentaries. I love black and white photography, and its depictions of many of my jazz heroes from the past. I thought about the murky swamp scenes in the classic Hollywood movies and the black and white compositions, with their reflections of light glowing in certain areas of a scene. There was a time when I was interested in becoming a filmmaker, and the art of storyboards, fit my idea of maybe studying film. It was uplifting to eventually find material, with black people being filmed in black and white. It was refreshing to see them in different settings, other than what I normally saw on television.
5. " Good Eatin' " speaks for itself. The washes were blended well with this piece, giving a rich darkness that attracted me. I do not mind, having so much murkiness, that a piece appears gloomy. It enhances the mood of my pieces. There is a seriousness, and perhaps sadness also, that causes black and white art to be stereotyped. It is often not recognized as " happy " interpretations. But even within such circumstances, sex does happen. One can have the blues, but engage in sexual activity. It has been known to temporarily " cure " certain aspects of the blues. I see this often in my erotic drawings, and this is why I am more compelled to draw them. There is a complexity in the deliverance of these drawings, that subconsciously reveal my own moods, during these creations. They expose such things that I cannot hide, even if I tried.
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