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| Exhibit A - Charcoal on paper |
The comfortable routine of my (creative) life - so reassuringly constant has been disrupted. Whether by chance or destiny an uninvited guest has appeared and unsettled me.
My own history as an artist has been one of unswerving self indulgence - I paint only what I want, I don't do commissions or repeat images. It is a 'control' thing. Unlike the rest of my life, which is necessarily compromised by external pressures, in my art I have total control (subject only to the limitations of my own imagination and skill). Without my art I couldn't cope - it is both a joy and a necessity.
I tell you this because it may explain why when 'A' turned up looking for modelling work I saw in her that same need for 'control'. Her need she assuages by starving herself. She had been a talented art student but she became so successful at denying herself food that she was unable to continue. So weak that she couldn't function normally she did continue to draw. Probably no more than listless doodles to while away the hours of lassitude, they demonstrated to me both skill and imagination. All the more tragic that this talent had been stifled by her 'disorder'. In the hope that she might be able to channel her desire for control in a constructive direction instead of the self destruction she inflicted on herself, I suggested that we collaborate together on an art project.
Using 'A' herself as the subject, we have both agreed to complete a series of drawings within a specified time with the intention that, provided there was no deterioration in her condition, we would exhibit them together on completion.
My fervent hope is that she will begin to examine and express her 'obsession' through drawing, creatively supplant the nihilism and perhaps even neutralise the causes of her disorder (after all isn't this what all artists do to some extent).
Above is my first of several drawings that I have done as part of the collaboration. If you click on the word 'guest' in the first sentence it will take you to a fascinatingly relevent blog which I follow.
Life Drawing and Painting Classes
The thursday evening class is fully enrolled and up and running. If you had intended to join us you will have to wait until after Christmas and see if any spaces become available. In addition to this blog I circulate information about future life drawing and painting opportunities via email. Please email me if you would like to be added to my email list.
I am taking bookings now for a life painting workshop on Saturday 6th November and the next life drawing workshop on Saturday 4th December. Both workshops cost £40 for the day. Please email me for further details or if you would like to book.
