I had a very productive morning today, going over to see a friend who is also an artist, who had agreed to model for a forthcoming picture I have in mind. Recently I’ve been developing a series of images based upon the creation story in Genesis, but looking at the relationship between “creation” in the sense used there, and the experience of artistic creation. The project is coming along well, and I have now pretty well finished three pieces in the series.
In the past, however, I have cone to realise that I am not particularly adept at figure drawing, unless I have a model. Somehow the result is also ways rather awkward and wooden. In two of the items I have done so far I was lucky enough to come across some ideal reference photographs, but for this latest venture I decided that I needed to work with a model, and gather customised material. So this morning I drove over to Shipley and spent some time with my friend Katie. I’m pleased to say that when I looked at the photos this afternoon they are ideal, and I have already drafted the design.
I’m looking forward to public reception of this material, although with a degree of trepidation. The images of God I have been using all promise to be rather challenging to some people. One of them figures “God” as a naked dancer; another represents him as a young man of mixed race with an Afro haircut. The result of today’s project envisages God as a slightly over-weight, middle-aged woman with blue hair! It’s all great fun, although with a very serious purpose. I’ll probably tell you more as the project develops.
The weather has been very helpful today, with a rather hazy sunshine. This has made it possible also to catch up on the backlog of photographing my work for reference purposes.