| The New York Optimist |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| © MMIX, The New York Optimist. All Rights Reserved. The New York Optimist & www.thenewyorkoptimist.com is a registered trademark of The New York Optimist. The New York Optimist is a registered service mark of Thenewyorkoptimist.com. The New York Optimist logo and original photos are a registered trademark of The New York Optimist . All other photos are property of the advertiser. And are rightfully protected under their copyright protections. |
SHARE
| Casey and the Quilt: emerging/hiding Charcoal on Rag 2009 62 " x 42 " |
| Casey and the Red Ball Charcoal on Rag 2009 42" x 35" |
| Gabrielle's Lamp Charcoal on Rag 2009 42" x 31" |
My work is to connect with the viewer by
addressing issues of the human condition
through portraiture of myself and my family.
My current work consists of three different
subject matters: my children, antique childhood
toys and self portraits. The self portraits have
changed over the years, from being surrounded
in white, empty space to being surrounded by
nature.
addressing issues of the human condition
through portraiture of myself and my family.
My current work consists of three different
subject matters: my children, antique childhood
toys and self portraits. The self portraits have
changed over the years, from being surrounded
in white, empty space to being surrounded by
nature.
I have named this particular body of work the
“Sasquatch Series” to reflect both the
physicality of the figure and of my feelings
while creating the drawings. I feel the drawings
ask the viewer
to enter at their own risk.
“Sasquatch Series” to reflect both the
physicality of the figure and of my feelings
while creating the drawings. I feel the drawings
ask the viewer
to enter at their own risk.
| Clown; Coitus Charcoal and Pastel on Rag 2009 21 " x 30 " |
| Clown; Coitus Charcoal and Pastel on Rag 2009 21 " x 30 " |
The freedom I experience when I draw myself nude translates into a kind of hard honesty which is one of the
most important aspects of my work. In each piece that I create, I attempt to illustrate human strengths and
vulnerabilities. In the “Sasquatch Series” it is the perceived strengths of the lone Sasquatch that I sought to
portray.
most important aspects of my work. In each piece that I create, I attempt to illustrate human strengths and
vulnerabilities. In the “Sasquatch Series” it is the perceived strengths of the lone Sasquatch that I sought to
portray.
| Sasquatch, Birch Trees Charcaol on Rag 2008 57" x 44" |
How I draw my children is different, the honesty is there, but it is their own honesty reinterpreted through my
hand and eye, often tinged with the sadness I felt at that age. I draw their vulnerability. This can be seen
through their expressions and states of dress.
I choose to draw them with minimal covering, in order to convey not only the beauty of the body but the beauty
of innocence. Because of their vulnerability, I have felt the need to protect them. I often choose poses which
confront the viewer; this is achieved by the gaze being met. The portraits of my children are essentially
self-portraits to be seen in conjunction with the Sasquatch pieces.
hand and eye, often tinged with the sadness I felt at that age. I draw their vulnerability. This can be seen
through their expressions and states of dress.
I choose to draw them with minimal covering, in order to convey not only the beauty of the body but the beauty
of innocence. Because of their vulnerability, I have felt the need to protect them. I often choose poses which
confront the viewer; this is achieved by the gaze being met. The portraits of my children are essentially
self-portraits to be seen in conjunction with the Sasquatch pieces.
For me, it is imperative to recognize this connection, to understand why I draw what I draw, to make it more about
healing than producing and to realize that I am today who I am because I have come to terms with my childhood and not
shut the door on it. My work is a kind of diary, a documentation of my life.
healing than producing and to realize that I am today who I am because I have come to terms with my childhood and not
shut the door on it. My work is a kind of diary, a documentation of my life.
| Emily Recumbant on Rattan Furniture |
