Foot Fetish No.1 & Other Drawings

1. Foot Fetish No.1                            

2. Foot Fetish No.2                         

3. Foot Fetish No.3                          

4. Hurricane Katrina No.1                

5. Hurricane Katrina No.2                 

1. Foot Fetish No.1, was just an individual piece, initially. I began to draw a face, during my lunch break. I decided to surround him with foliage, and make it a night scene. And then I thought, " Well, what could he be looking at, so secretively? " This is when I figured, that there could be a developing story. The shadows and traces of light, created by my ink washes, intrigued me so, that I wanted to extend this narrative into a little series.

2. So, I decided in " Foot Fetish No.2 ", to show the man stalking someone. I wanted to create a homoerotic narrative, because it is my favorite work, to produce, of course. The man appears to be in a dream-like state. It is as if he had this dream of following a man, in which he strangely desired. The other man seems to sense, he is being watched, but does not feel alarmed. Perhaps he is aware that he is being desired, and welcomes the voyeurism, in a flirtatious manner, of appearing rather oblivious.

3. It is a treat for him to watch the man, ascend the staircase, in " Foot Fetish No.3 ". He can see the exposed heels, and soles more clearly, with each striving step. I find it interesting to draw close-ups of subjects, because I have rarely done this. It has not been done enough, on my part, with capturing this perspective, of one of my favorite anatomical features of the male.

4. Hurricane Katrina No. 1, is about the devastating catastrophe, that destroyed New Orleans and surrounding areas. I remember hearing about the disaster on the radio, in the morning, while being at work, and feeling helpless. It really affected me, because I quickly learned how the efforts for relief, can change, depending on race and class. This natural force, caused water to rise high above the land of this vulnerable city, and uproot the lives of struggling civilians. It even killed many of them! I wanted to do something, with the information being processed in my mind, regarding the horrors of the victims' testimonies, about survival and loss. I decided to do a series to cope with the emotional connection, I experienced, while continuing to create my " Lynching Blues " and " Body Machine " series.

5. Hurricane Katrina No. 2, is a disturbing piece to look at. But, it is my favorite, of the series. The most vulnerable are involved, of the human race, in which consists of children and the elderly. Everything and everyone within the area, became helpless victims, after the breaking of the levees. The waters arose at a rapid pace, with massive winds, possessing such power, to rip apart homes and fragile buildings. I see the desperation in this piece, and clinging to dear life, literally.