It’s funny, I can remember being five years old wishing I could draw naked ladies, but was afraid of getting in trouble. I liked being a girl, but I wished I was a boy since then people would just think it was natural. I even use to tell people my name is Robert. My dad use to have a guy that worked for him by that name. I know now that if I wanted a boys name I could of used my own. Now twenty-four years later I can draw naked ladies all I want and even use my own name.
Either through envy, sympathy, or empathy, I feel something for the images I create. The inspiration for my work comes from two places, real women, and women in the media. I am a huge people watcher. I record all the different facial expressions and body language I see. I like to observe from a distance in order to let the truth be a mystery, therefore; giving way to made up stories about possible characters I see. I often like to sit alone at coffee shops or bars and sketch. Images can also be appropriated from a variety of media sources to provide a reference to a certain angle or perspective when I go to recreate these characters.
I produce art compulsively. To a point, I categorize between composition, color combination, new subjects, and reoccurring subjects. However, mostly I react so quickly on feelings, I don't have time to correct them. I need art. Channeling focus after the initial inspiration of emotions fulfills my racing mind. Sometimes I try and block out everything, then let one thing random float into my mind. I stare at the empty space below my hand and try to feel that space for what should go there.
I am experienced in a variety of media, which I use either separately or together. My dominant mediums are a combination of watercolor paints and ink drawing, and oil paint on canvas. I am very meticulous about making sure my work is archival. For my watercolors I use a thicker watercolor paper and archival ink for permanence and vibrancy. If I want to mix mediums I make sure that the order I use them in makes the most archival sense
Education:
*** Birmingham Bloomfield Art Association, Birmingham, MI
*** Wayne State University, Detroit, MI - BFA
*** College For Creative Studies, Detroit, MI
*** Oakland Community College, Royal Oak & Farmington, MI
*** University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Exhibits:
*** Group Show: 555 nonprofit gallery and studios, Detroit, MI
*** Solo Show: Element Café, Detroit, MI
*** Juried Show: Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
*** Group Show: Buzz Gallery, Royal Oak, MI
*** Solo Show: Xhedo’s Café, Ferndale, MI
Grants and Awards:
*** Ricki Berlin Scholarship: Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, Birmingham, MI
*** Figure Study Grant: WSU, Detroit, MI
*** Portfolio Review Scholarship: CCS, Detroit, MI
*** Scholastics Scholarship: U of M, Ann Arbor, MI
No comments:
Post a Comment
feel free to let me know what you think. If it is something terrible try and email me first :)