In my work I celebrate the importance of sketching the human figure from life. My figure drawings reveal the story of my observing and representing the figure as much as the figure itself. Sketching is a very transparent form of artmaking as it illuminates the process of the artist, and does not attempt to hide the tools or decisions of the maker. While painting, photography, or longform drawing can smooth out the process, or create illusions that hide the methods used to create the work, a sketch does not attempt to hide the fact that it is a sketch. A sketch is a synthesis of human decisions which happen over time as the subject lives and moves, revealed in many lines, smears, and erased bits. In this synthesis we can see the action and feeling of the human person in the most raw form. 

Ultimately what is interesting about art is that it is human. In the age of AI I think society increasingly de-values human artistry. In fact, AI is only able to generate images in the first place by plagiarizing massive amounts of data from real artists. I believe both making and observing handmade art are essential in recreating and uplifting the human spirit. AI images are devoid of human process and feeling, robbing us of the uplifting and spiritual qualities of art which are vital to human flourishing. Now more than ever, supporting artists and practicing traditional modes of art making is imperative.

My figure studies have all been created in under 30 minutes. In the first 30 minutes the most difficult and important parts of the drawing – gesture and proportions – are established. By focusing on 30 minute poses I can increase the number of times I repeat these initial processes. In under 30 minutes the drawing remains raw, further revealing the process. Some of my sketches are under one minute sketches; these showcase the importance of gesture, and represent my observations over time visible in the buildup of marks from many one minute poses.

I draw on butcher paper because I like how the charcoal smears on the smooth surface. More importantly butcher paper is inexpensive, accessible, and perishable; all of these qualities encourage me to take risks, making bolder, more fluid strokes. Charcoal is similarly ephemeral, smearing easily, allowing for a variety of marks and spontaneous erasure. My chosen materials help me forget about the pressure of creating a finished work, instead focusing on enjoying and experiencing the process. 

I do not know the models. This is an intentional choice as I do not think that a person needs personal or political significance to be represented. Representing the human figure is an intrinsically spiritual act which helps me achieve feelings of gratitude for human life itself. Drawing is an act of appreciation. The drawings are nude because it helps me understand how the body moves and how body parts connect. Nude drawings also honor the human person in the rawest, most democratizing form.

A gallery show is important within its context. Everything I am saying has already been said, but I feel as though it needs to be said right now as AI has caused society to question the role of human made art.